Southampton will be content as they head into the playoff lottery on the heels of a win at Elland Road, overcoming a jittery Leeds United side 2-1 to halt their recent poor form.

Prior to this victory in West Yorkshire, Russell Martin’s Saints had suffered defeats in their last three Championship matches, including a humbling 5-0 defeat to Championship title-winners Leicester City away from home.

Kyle Walker-Peters shone in the match against Daniel Farke’s team by providing the assist for Will Smallbone’s decisive goal, proving to be a vital player for Martin throughout the season and attracting attention from Premier League scouts.

Turning attention to the left-back position opposite Walker-Peters’ reliable right side, Southampton’s defense isn’t as solid, with a costly signing struggling to make an impact since his arrival in 2022.

Juan Larios’ Transfer to Southampton

Two years ago, Juan Larios joined Southampton for a substantial £6m fee, a move that raised eyebrows given his lack of senior appearances anywhere. Expected to follow a similar trajectory to Gavin Bazunu when he arrived from the Manchester City academy, Larios’ tenure at the South Coast club has arguably been too much, too soon, as he has faded into obscurity due to persistent injuries.

Captured on social media back in March during training, Larios has been sidelined for Southampton since sustaining an injury against Newcastle United in October 2022 and will be eager to regain lost ground once he’s fully fit again.

In total, the unfortunate left-back has only featured in five matches across two full seasons with Southampton, leaving the club regretting their hefty investment without seeing significant returns from his performances.

Larios’ worth has fallen off a cliff as a result of his constant presence in the St. Mary’s treatment room, with the promising youngster now worth less than Ryan Manning who has struggled at points this season as a first-teamer under Martin.

Larios’ transfer value in 2024

Formerly on the books at Barcelona as an up-and-coming starlet before moving to England, Larios will be disappointed that his valuation, according to Football Transfers, now stands at a lesser £1.1m.

Manning’s worth is superior to the injury-prone Spaniard’s now, coming in at a hefty £4.2m after joining Martin’s men on a free transfer just last year after he let his contract at Swansea City run down.

Nevertheless, despite the significant value of the Saints’ third-choice player compared to Larios’ diminishing worth, Martin will likely seek to improve upon Manning should his team secure promotion back to the top flight through the playoffs, given Manning’s inconsistent performances throughout the season.

In the 5-0 loss to Leicester City, Manning, the Irishman, had a disastrous 30-minute appearance off the bench, with Enzo Maresca’s side netting four of their five goals after his introduction, highlighting the struggles of the 27-year-old on that occasion.