Southampton might have given a Championship superstar away for free

Southampton have decided to part ways with Will Smallbone as the midfielder is set to leave St. Mary’s as a free agent after spending 18 years at the club.

Southampton’s biggest concern following the Spygate incident has been an impending exodus of elite talent this summer. Although the dressing room atmosphere has improved with Tonda Eckert likely to lead the side next season, the risk has not yet been eliminated.

The surging reports on exit-bound stars like Shea Charles, Caspar Jander and possibly Leo Scienza add to the issue.

Unsurprisingly, Southampton cannot afford any quality loss from their existing roster through their own actions. However, a recent update suggests the club may have done the opposite, as the Saints part ways with one of their longest‑serving players.

The player in question is Will Smallbone. After rising through the Staplewood ranks to break into the first team, the midfielder has spent around 18 years on the south coast. But his Saints journey has now come to an end following the club’s decision on his expiring contract.

TalkSPORT chief correspondent Alex Crook reported: “Will Smallbone to leave SaintsFC as a free agent this summer. Will meet clubs after his honeymoon and has attached himself to Stephen Hunt Sports Management.”

Southampton’s call not to renew Smallbone could be gift to suitors

Indeed, Smallbone has not been anywhere near his true level in recent campaigns. Having made just 18 Premier League appearances last season and playing only 10 times for Millwall on a recent loan, he has spent far more time on the sidelines than on the pitch.

Considering this, Southampton’s decision to part ways with him is a rational move ahead of a decisive Championship campaign. But that should not undermine the fact that Smallbone is among the best box‑to‑box midfielders in the second division when fit.

This is supported by Smallbone’s consecutive impressive Championship campaigns in 2022/23 and 2023/24. Notably, he showed superb consistency during his Stoke City spell, contributing eight goals to the club’s tally while emerging as a reliable midfield option for Alex Neil’s side.

If his 2022/23 Stoke spell was impressive, Smallbone’s next season with Southampton was a notch above. Having proven to be Russell Martin’s most trusted midfielder, Smallbone directly influenced Southampton’s promotion by providing the winning assist in the Wembley playoff final.

If fit, Smallbone can still rise to his true potential and become one of the best central midfielders in the Championship. As such, Southampton’s decision not to renew the homegrown midfielder presents his suitors with an irresistible opportunity to secure a player of his quality.

Smallbone set to start things afresh after leaving St. Mary’s

Reading between the lines of Smallbone’s update, the midfielder may have agreed with the club to call time on his Southampton career. This possibility is further strengthened by the fact that he appears to be looking forward to a fresh start in both his personal and professional life.

The last week has brought glaring changes for Smallbone. He recently tied the knot with Sofia Lepore, beginning a new chapter in his personal life. That major event has been followed by his departure from Southampton and a change of representation agency.

Previously under CAA Base Ltd’s management, Smallbone has now attached himself to Stephen Hunt Sports Management. With the Hunt Sports Group representing a host of EFL and Championship players, Smallbone looks set to start afresh with a move to a fellow Championship side.

It wasn’t long ago that Millwall were touted as considering a move for the Republic of Ireland international. With Lions boss Alex Neil familiar with Smallbone from his impressive 2022/23 loan at Stoke, the manager could now be keen to sign him permanently.

Meanwhile, other Championship clubs like West Brom are also tipped to fancy a move for Smallbone as they look to bolster their squads. While a resolution on his future club remains a matter for the summer, Smallbone is set to take a new step in his career after leaving Southampton.