SAINTS were busy in the summer transfer window but ultimately failed to build a squad strong enough to compete in the Premier League.

The St Mary's side had to offload several players before completing new signings but may have fared better this season had they kept some of those at the club.

A total of six players departed on permanent deals - with two more leaving upon the expiration of their contracts. Should Saints have kept some of these players?

Sekou Mara

Forward Sekou Mara returned to his home country France in the summer, joining Liam Rosenior's Strasbourg in a deal which allowed Saints to sign Cameron Archer. 

The 22 year old has struggled to establish himself at Strasbourg, starting just six games and scoring only once in Ligue 1.

He has played more minutes (632) than he did in the Championship last season (547), however he managed three goals in England last year. 

Sekou Mara has only scored once in Ligue 1 this season.Sekou Mara has only scored once in Ligue 1 this season. (Image: Stuart Martin)

Duje Caleta-Car

Croatian defender Duje Caleta-Car played no part at Southampton last season and completed a permanent move to Lyon following his loan spell in France.

The 28 year old lost his place in the starting lineup midway through January and has not played a minute since.

Che Adams 

Scotland international Che Adams has enjoyed a solid maiden season in Seria A with Torino following his free transfer exit from Saints.

Adams allowed his contract to run down following promotion back to the Premier League and has found the back of the net semi-regularly in Italy.

He has endured periods without goals, most recently ending a four-game drought, but has scored eight times this season.

The former Birmingham forward is performing at a rate just below one goal every three games - a more frequent scoring rate than he managed at Southampton.

Che Adams has returned to goalscoring ways at TorinoChe Adams has returned to goalscoring ways at Torino (Image: Wyscout)

Stuart Armstrong 

The other Scottish international who departed Saints on a free transfer this summer was midfielder Stuart Armstrong.

Armstrong's Saints career ended with injury, ruling him out of the play-offs, and he returned to club football during a short stint in the MLS with Vancouver Whitecaps.

The 32 year old made 11 appearances for the Canadian club, scoring twice, before returning to English football at Sheffield Wednesday.

Playing under Rohl and alongside Charles again in Yorkshire, Armstrong has made five appearances in the Championship but was not in the squad for their last four games.

Stuart Armstrong missed the Championship play-off final.Stuart Armstrong missed the Championship play-off final. (Image: PA)

Lyanco

Defender Lyanco was keen to return to Brazil this summer following a season on loan in Qatar and got his wish with a move to Atletico Mineiro.

He was greeted like a hero before seeing a red card in just his second appearance for his new club.

Lyanco has since worn the armband - and won plenty more suspensions for yellow cards - but appears no closer to playing for Brazil, as he hoped.

Romain Perraud

Full-back Romain Perraud was left with no choice but to leave Saints in the summer as he had "no relationship" with former boss Russell Martin.

He had spent the previous season on loan at Nice and joined La Liga outfit Real Betis in the summer, where he has 21 appearances, scoring once.

His one and only La Liga goal was a corker from outside the box against Athletic Club last month.

Romain Perraud celebrates first Real Betis goal.Romain Perraud celebrates first Real Betis goal. (Image: Wyscout)

READ MORE: Former Southampton defender Perraud stuns fans with brilliant goal

Mateusz Lis

Polish goalkeeper Mateusz Lis was given a chance to impress Russell Martin in pre-season but ultimately returned to Goztepe on a permanent basis.

He has kept seven clean sheets for the Sport Republic club, helping them sit seventh in the Turkish Super Lig.

Goalkeeper Mat Lis has made a permanent move to GoztepGoalkeeper Mat Lis has made a permanent move to Goztep (Image: Stuart Martin)

Charly Alcaraz

Fan favourite Charly Alcaraz is back in England with Everton following his controversial exit from Saints to Brazilian giants Flamengo.

Alcaraz struggled to make his mark in Brazil before returning to the Premier League by joining Everton on loan with the view to a permanent transfer.

The 22 year old is already off the mark at Goodison Park having scored and provided an assist in a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.

Charly Alcaraz is back in English football at Everton.Charly Alcaraz is back in English football at Everton. (Image: PA)