The returning loan players who can make an impact at Southampton

Will Still has inherited a bloated squad, with upwards of 35 players potentially turning up for the first day of pre-season.

Alongside group technical director Johannes Spors, new boss Still will need to determine which players he wants to keep in his Championship squad.

Here's our verdict on which loaned-out players can make an impact for Still during the 2025/26 campaign.

Shea Charles - Definitely

Shea Charles is more than ready to start every week for Saints. (Image: PA) There's no doubt Shea Charles is ready to become a regular for Saints following a stellar loan spell with Sheffield Wednesday.

The Northern Ireland international did not miss a game for the Owls after joining three games into the season, and won their Player of the Year award.

Charles has been linked with a move away; however, Saints will view him as a key member of their midfield, having invested heavily in him two years ago.

Playing alongside Flynn Downes, the 21 year old can provide a solid foundation for Still's promotion-chasing Saints.

Loan stats

Games: 44

Goals: 1

Assists: 5

Ronnie Edwards - Definitely

Ronnie Edwards is currently away with England at the U21 Euros. (Image: John Walton/PA) Another who excelled in the Championship last season is Ronnie Edwards. The ball-playing centre-back impressed during the second half of the campaign with QPR.

Edwards' form in London earned him a call-up to England's squad for the Under-21s this summer in Slovakia and showed why Saints signed him from League One Peterborough.

With Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jan Bednarek potentially on their way out of St Mary's, Edwards is a suitable replacement, whether Still opts for a back four or back five.

Loan stats

Games: 21

Goals: 2

Clean sheets: 4

Ben Brereton Diaz - Yes

Ben Brereton Diaz is yet to score for Saints. (Image: Ben Whitley/PA)Chile international Ben Brereton Diaz would have joined Sheffield United permanently had the Blades not suffered a late defeat to Sunderland in the Championship play-off final.

Instead, Brereton Diaz will remain a Saints player, for now at least, and can definitely play his part if he remains on the south coast beyond the deadline on September 1.

The 26 year old may have only scored four goals in 18 games after joining the Blades in January, but he has plundered goals in the Championship.

In his last two full Championship campaigns, the former Blackburn Rovers forward scored 36 goals, which led to him joining Villareal on a free transfer.

Brereton Diaz is yet to score for Saints, having failed to find the net in 13 appearances, meaning a departure is still a possibility.

Loan stats

Games: 18

Goals: 4

Assists: 3

Adam Armstrong - Yes

Adam Armstrong fired Saints back to the Premier League. (Image: PA)Southampton would not have been promoted back to the Premier League had it not been for Adam Armstrong's 37 goal involvements.

The Geordie forward scored the winner in the play-off final, but once again struggled to score in the Premier League, seeing him leave on loan to West Brom.

Goals did not flow as expected in the Midlands, but Armstrong's track record in the second tier suggests he can still be called upon to score.

However, at 28 years old and having already failed to make the step up to the Premier League, Armstrong could be replaced at St Mary's.

If he does stay, Still will gain a reliable Championship goalscorer, and someone who has worn the captain's armband.

Loan stats

Games: 16

Goals: 3

Assists: 0

Sam Edozie - Probably

Sam Edozie was a fan favourite at Anderlecht. (Image: Wyscout) Despite featuring from the bench in Southampton's first two games of the 2024/25 season, winger Sam Edozie was sent out on loan to improve his consistency.

At Anderlecht, Edozie impressed supporters but struggled for consistent fitness and missed 19 games with four different injury problems.

Saints need a refresh on the wings, and 22 year old Edozie still has time to make that position his, but inconsistent end product remains a trait of his game.

There is no doubt he can do a job in the Championship, as he did during the promotion campaign, but 2025/26 will be a key season for the former Man City prospect.

Loan stats

Games: 32

Goals: 4

Assists: 6

Gavin Bazunu - Questionable

Gavin Bazunu has had injury problems over the last 18 months. (Image: DAZN Belgium) Republic of Ireland international Gavin Bazunu was not registered in the Premier League squad due to injury, and later had his loan in Belgium cut short after another injury.

The jury remains out on whether Bazunu can fill the void that will be left when Aaron Ramsdale leaves, as expected, this summer.

Bazunu has conceded 115 in 78 games for Saints, keeping 16 clean sheets, and has underperformed his goals prevented rate in both campaigns.

With Alex McCarthy also remaining at the club, Saints have an experienced, consistent shot-stopper who can play ahead of Bazunu.

And Joe Lumley's exit also opens the door for a new signing between the sticks. Bazunu will be fit for pre-season, and it will be an important one for the Dubliner.

Loan stats

Games: 6

Goals conceded: 12

Clean sheets: 1

Dom Ballard - Have a look in pre-season

Dom Ballard scored a hat-trick on his return to Saints. (Image: George Tewkesbury) Academy forward Dom Ballard is a goal machine at under-21 level, but endured two difficult loans in League One last season.

His time at Blackpool was cut short before he joined eventually relegated Cambridge United until the end of the season.

In 35 appearances, the 20 year old scored three goals, at an average of a strike per 586 minutes played. 

With one year left on his contract, Ballard's time could be running out at St Mary's, but striker is a position up for grabs at Saints.

Loan stats

Games: 35

Goals: 3

Assists: 1

Juan - No, could leave on loan

🇧🇷 Juan scores on his return from injury for Goztepe in the Turkish Cup. #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/mzjSIueme6

— Just Saints (@JustSaints_) February 27, 2025

Reports in Turkey suggest Juan will spend another season on loan at Sport Republic sister club Goztepe.

The Brazilian, who joined from Sao Paulo in the summer, managed eight goals and five assists for the Turkish club, but Saints have more experienced options 

Another impressive year in Turkey, however, will force Saints to seriously consider the 23 year old.

Loan stats

Games: 28

Goals: 8

Assists: 5