Southampton’s spot in the play-offs has put them in a difficult position, recruitment wise, because they still don’t know what league they are going to be in next season.

The post-season games played by the teams who finish from third to sixth in the second tier of English football can be a rewarding, and yet annoying, mistress.

For the likes of Leeds United and Southampton, who missed out on automatic promotion, it’s a hurdle that they will feel could have been avoided.

For Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion, the top-two hopefuls’ play-off opponents, it provides an outside opportunity to reach the promised land of the Premier League; although the record of promoted teams recently suggests it might not be quite as holy and prosperous as previously thought.

Only one of the four teams vying for victory at Wembley will achieve it, and a spanner of uncertainty has been thrown into all four summer plans.

The Saints will understand that they will need two plans of action, depending on their results in the post-season. But, they can start to put some transfer plans into action, regardless of what division they are going to be in, and these are two moves that would start their summer well.

In: Taylor Harwood-Bellis

Taylor Harwood-Bellis opted to join the club on loan instead of considering Premier League offers because he believed it suited him better, as stated by Jason Wilcox, the former Southampton director of football who is now the technical director at Manchester United. Initially, the young defender had a slow beginning at St Mary’s, but once he secured his place in the starting lineup, he showed remarkable progress. Throughout the 2023/24 regular season, he featured in 40 league matches for Southampton.

The young Scottish forward has eagerly awaited his third opportunity to play for the Saints. He previously expressed his strong desire to return to the club, stating he would eagerly seize the chance if they regain Premier League status. With Southampton currently in the play-offs and a £20 million buy-option in the agreement with City, the prospect of him joining Russell Martin’s team permanently is tangible. Even if they don’t secure promotion through the play-offs, the club should still actively pursue signing the England under-21s captain.

Out: Paul Onuachu

Moves don’t always pan out as expected, as Paul Onuachu discovered upon his transfer to Southampton in January 2023. Despite his evident talent, the synergy just wasn’t there, prompting the wise decision to loan him to Trabzonspor last summer.

Since his arrival, Onuachu has thrived with the Turkish club, despite grappling with injury setbacks. Trabzonspor is eager to secure his permanent signing come summer.

However, competition looms from Göztepe, Southampton’s sister club, who are also eyeing Onuachu this upcoming transfer window, as per NTV Spor.

One effective method to generate revenue is by selling players like Onuachu, who have excelled while on loan. This minimizes any impact on the squad and enhances their market value.

Whether the Saints find themselves in the Premier League or the Championship, financial augmentation for summer transfers is imperative. Parting ways with Onuachu appears to be a strategic move in this regard.