Southampton have been on the verge of breaking into the upper-echelons of the Premier League table for years, yet the task of keeping their best players has been one of the biggest challenges in their path.
Outisde90’s Hugh Schuitemaker presents a combined XI of those names which have found success after leaving the South Coast.
Artur Boruc
A three-year St Mary’s veteran and first choice gloveman for the side which finished eighth in the 2013-14 season. The Pole’s experience is now proving invaluable for Bournemouth as they look to cement their top-flight status.
Nathaniel Clyne
Made 94 appearances for the Saints after their promotion back to the top-flight in 2012. The 25-year-old is now a fixture in Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool defence after moving to Merseyside in July last year, playing every minute of the new Premier League season so far.
Toby Alderweireld
An imposing presence at centre-back, the Belgian impressed in his first season at White Hart Lane as Tottenham finished in third spot. Also a dangerous target around the box for Christian Eriksen’s set-pieces, Alderweireld will no doubt enjoy the opportunity to feature in the Champions League.
Dejan Lovren
The third player to make the jump to Liverpool in the summer of 2014, Lovren has had to compete with Mamadou Sakho for his spot in the backline, but has developed into a defensive leader under the guidance of Klopp.
Luke Shaw
The Saints academy product has quickly become a favourite at Old Trafford, with an unfortunate double leg injury hampering his playing time last season. Shaw is returning with a bang this time around though, with his defensive acumen and pinpoint passing on regular display.
Adam Lallana
The exciting Englishman appears ready to hit his peak for Liverpool this season, already registering two goals in games against Arsenal and Leicester City. Will be a vital part of Jurgen Klopp’s attack as the Reds look for a return to the top four in 2016-17.
Morgan Schneiderlin
Praised for his work during the 2014-15 campaign, Schneiderlin made a high-profile move to Manchester United but like Bastian Schweinsteiger, was used aimlessly under Louis van Gaal. Always composed in front of the back four, he will be hoping to break back into the squad after only playing 10 minutes this season.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Saints fans will probably be looking on with envy at the player Oxlade-Chamberlain has developed into since joining Arsenal in 2011, this year passing the 100 game mark for the Gunners. Is not the flashiest name among Wenger’s midfield, but has managed to make his presence known at some crucial moments.
Gareth Bale
No doubt now the most famous player to come from Southampton’s academy, Bale’s move from Tottenham to Real Madrid broke world transfer records in 2013. Has gotten over some early road blocks to become a key cog of the La Liga giants, while he also starred for Wales at Euro 2016.
Theo Walcott
2016 will mark 10 years since a teenage Walcott left St Mary’s for North London and similarly to Oxlade-Chamberlain, his record of over 50 goals scored in that time is one that would make the Southampton faithful jealous of what could have been.
Sadio Mane
The latest name to leave the Saints for Liverpool, Mane is already the talk of Merseyside after his two goals and an assist to start the new season. His amazing speed changes the dynamic of any attacking line he is part of.
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