'Always wanted' - Sam Edozie names his transfer wish amid Southampton exit speculations

Southampton fringe star Sam Edozie expresses his ever-present desire to play in Europe after a successful campaign with Anderlecht in the Europa League.

The final stretch of the Championship season is set to begin with full fervour soon. While Southampton have FA Cup duties before returning to league action, all clubs have already begun their planning for the summer and beyond.

Recently, Southampton were reported to be keen on signing Fedor Lapoukhov as a backup keeper. The rumour mill hasn’t been quiet on the departure front either, with Eintracht Frankfurt showing interest in Joshua Quarshie.

However, Quarshie isn’t the only name being linked with an exit. While he could be joined by many other departees, one of the likely names to move out of the exit door this summer is that of winger Samuel Edozie.

Having endured an underwhelming 2025/26 campaign, Edozie might want to part ways with Southampton and opt for a fresh start. Though currently a possibility, Edozie might have already hinted at his ideal destination should a move materialise.

As quoted by the Daily Echo, Edozie mentioned: “It was a very different experience in Belgium, but I enjoyed it. Playing in Europe is something I’ve always wanted to do.”

While this Belgium reference stems from his previous Anderlecht spell, Edozie has openly admitted his fondness for a European move.

Samuel Edozie’s 2024/25 European spell

As a former Manchester City prodigy, one would expect Edozie to have had multiple European moves given his talent. Yet his only spell on the continent came during a loan to Anderlecht in the 2024/25 campaign.

Given Anderlecht’s status as a regular European participant, the club gave Edozie his first taste of continental football in the Europa League.

Notably, Samuel Edozie made five Europa League appearances in the 2024/25 season for Anderlecht. While a recurring hip injury affected his game time, Edozie did enough to showcase his talent on the big stage.

In around 200 minutes of action that season, Edozie registered two goal contributions. This included an assist in the win over Ferencváros and his inaugural Europa goal in the victory against Ludogorets.

Whenever Edozie played a half or more, Anderlecht never lost. It’s no coincidence that their dip in form coincided with his hip injury. After winning their first three group games, they crashed out in the knockout playoffs without him.

With Edozie’s return to Southampton past his loan, his European dream has yet to materialise again. Although the winger was rumoured to be on his way to Anderlecht in a permanent move, he ended up staying with Southampton in the Championship.

Edozie would wish for European football in upcoming transfer

It’s no secret that Samuel Edozie’s Southampton tenure has been far from a success. The transfer has turned out to be disappointing for both him and the Saints.

After joining from Man City in the summer of 2022, Edozie was given a backup role in his first season. With his failure to contribute goals up front, he was left out of the side mid‑season.

The 2023/24 campaign was a rare bright spot for Edozie at Southampton. But even that nine‑goal contribution season ended bizarrely, with the winger restricted to a backup role in the decisive phase.

Samuel Edozie had the spell of his life in the 2024/25 campaign. Being on loan at Anderlecht, the winger shone in Europe and the Belgian Top Flight with 10 goal contributions in the season. Now, in 2025/26, an unforgettable campaign has left his future on an uncertain path.

Even though Edozie’s quality hasn’t been an issue, his move hasn’t just sit well for Southampton and himself. It makes sense for both parties to have an extensive conversation about his future this summer.

Everything points to a mutual parting of ways for Edozie and Southampton after a forgettable spell. The 23-year-old would hope that his European dream finally comes true in a permanent move to give him the platform to shine at the biggest stage with his next club.