Will Smallbone's next destination named amid likely Southampton free transfer exit

Southampton loanee returnee Will Smallbone has emerged as an option for a permanent Millwall switch after an injury ridden loan spell for the Lions in the 2025/26 campaign.

The last few days have seen Southampton loanees garnering significant transfer attention. While this helps the club’s chances of cashing in on players like Ben Brereton Diaz and Aaron Ramsdale, the Saints need to resolve much more complex cases this summer.

Take, for instance, the dilemma of offering new contracts or not to previous utility players like Will Smallbone and Joe Aribo. If that choice wasn’t challenging already, the surging transfer interest for the former homegrown midfielder adds to the issue.

Notably, Smallbone is on the transfer radar of Championship clubs as he can hit free agency soon and leave St. Mary’s. TransferFeed noted the interest in him, mentioning: “Millwall are considering a permanent move for Will Smallbone, who is out of contract at Southampton at the end of June.”

Smallbone named for surpise Millwall move after injury-ridden loan

The last year or so has been quite challenging for Will Smallbone, both on and off the pitch. After finding himself out of Will Still’s plans at Southampton, the central midfielder was left with no option but to find another club in the final stages of the summer 2025 window.

Although Smallbone chose Millwall as his destination for the 2025/26 campaign, his spell hardly went according to plan. Having featured in just 10 games all season after being injured for most of the campaign, Smallbone failed to make a positive impact on Millwall at all.

Analysing the scenario, Millwall’s interest in pursuing a permanent move for Smallbone comes as a surprise to most. But what remains worth noting is that the Lions may have a plan to bring out the best of the quality midfielder after his injury‑marred season.

That’s because Millwall boss Alex Neil is well aware of what Smallbone brings to his midfield. Having been an integral part of Neil’s Stoke City lineup in the 2022/23 campaign, Smallbone’s abilities when fully fit are no secret to the manager.

It’s worth noting that when at his physical best, Smallbone has shown he can be one of the best players at the Championship level. As a box‑to‑box midfielder who can create and score goals, he could offer Alex Neil’s side more flexibility in their midfield ranks.

Millwall reached the playoffs as promotion favourites but ended up being the first side knocked out of the promotion race. Perhaps Smallbone could prove to be the missing piece Neil’s side needs to achieve their Premier League dream.

Is it over for Will Smallbone at Southampton already?

It must be noted that Smallbone’s decline in Southampton’s pecking order began after he was deemed unfit for Will Still’s plans. But given that the manager is long gone and much has changed at St. Mary’s, Smallbone’s Saints future may still have some life left in it.

It goes without saying that had Southampton secured promotion to the Premier League, the club might have moved on from Smallbone. But with the side still in the Championship, it remains to be seen whether they could renew him for another few years.

This is because of the growing uncertainty around Southampton’s midfield ahead of next season. Despite the squad coming together in this difficult time, some exit‑bound players like Shea Charles and Caspar Jander are highly likely to leave the club this summer.

Should that happen, Smallbone could emerge as a handy option already available at Southampton’s disposal. The Irish midfielder was a key component of the Saints’ promotion‑winning lineup in the 2023/24 campaign, and his quality remains unquestioned at the Championship level.

Furthermore, Will Smallbone has been a rare asset for Southampton as a homegrown player who has risen through the ranks from Staplewood to the first team. Not only could his renewal be a signing of stability following the uncertain futures of Shea Charles and Caspar Jander, but it would also provide Southampton with financial incentive for the future.

All in all, there remains an element of uncertainty in Will Smallbone’s situation, as Southampton may want to look at his case closely before moving on from him. Who knows, if there’s may be more to his 18‑year spell at Staplewood.