Southampton legend just spoke what every Saints fan thinks about playoffs

Southampton legend Victor Wanyama echoes every supporter’s verdict on the Saints’ impending Premier League promotion.

A couple of weeks ago, Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff had tipped Southampton to secure a playoff spot come the end of the season. While the campaign is far from over, the Saints are marching toward making it a reality.

In fact, Southampton can now realistically finish better than the 6th and last playoff spot. Their recent 5‑1 demolition of Wrexham at the Racecourse has convinced fans and pundits alike of what to expect from the Saints next.

Former Southampton icon Victor Wanyama summed it up perfectly in his concise and bold prediction. As quoted by Sky Sports Football, Wanyama mentioned: “If they get to that play-off spot, they will be back in the Premier League.”

Wanyama echoes Saints fans’ feelings of promotion

The 2025/26 Championship campaign has been a rollercoaster for Southampton fans. From teetering on the edge of the relegation zone to now being on the brink of a playoff spot, the Saints have pulled off a massive second‑half turnaround.

It wasn’t even two months ago that Southampton sat 14th before matchday 32. Fast forward to now, and they’re sitting in the playoff zone with a 13‑game unbeaten streak in the league.

Such results have installed Southampton as promotion favourites, and the recent demolition of Wrexham has only added weight to Victor Wanyama’s claim. If they reach the playoffs, the Saints won’t stop until they’re back in the Premier League.

More than the result itself, the manner of the victory over Wrexham has convinced supporters. Despite entering the playoff decider on the back of a tiring FA Cup tie against Arsenal, Southampton blew Wrexham away on their own turf.

Thanks to a blistering start from Southampton’s attack force, the side was 2-0 up within the first 20 minutes. Although Wrexham’s sluggish defence helped Southampton initially, the way they grew into the game in the second half has given fans the confidence of an impending promotion.

Notably, Southampton enjoyed a 22-game unbeaten streak during their 2023/24 promotion-winning campaign. While Tonda’s side is currently on a 13-game streak with only 6 league games left, two playoff semi-finals and a possible Wembley final can see them match their best ever league run.

If that happens, club legend Victor Wanyama’s claim will turn true, and Southampton will be back in the Premier League on the first attempt.

Southampton’s Derby challenge is one final barrier to playoff spot

The Saints need to see out six more matchdays before they can confirm their playoff spot. While each game is crucial, their next matchday against Derby could seal their spot if results go their way.

Notably, Southampton’s win over Wrexham was preceded by Derby’s victory over Stoke on matchday 41. As a result, the Rams remain within three points of the Saints, with a direct face‑off still to come.

Southampton successfully navigated the playoff decider against Wrexham, but their trip to Derby is a second playoff decider in a row. What places extra emphasis on this matchday is their playoff rival Wrexham’s tricky matchup.

Wrexham have struggled on the road recently, and Birmingham could put pressure on them if they find an early goal. If that happens, a Saints win against Derby would go a long way toward clearing their path to the playoffs.

To Southampton’s aid, Derby are set to miss several key forwards for the trip to St. Mary’s. With Patrick Agyemang and Rhian Brewster injured, and Ben Brereton Díaz ineligible to play, the Saints should be able to outscore the Rams relatively comfortably.

Overall, the game against Derby could prove to be the most decisive in helping Southampton secure a playoff spot. And if that happens, a Premier League promotion may not be far behind.