He left Southampton for nothing this summer but Besiktas snub could open the door for a Championship return

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Southampton have been busy in the transfer market this summer as they look to achieve an immediate return to the Premier League.

It was an incredibly disappointing campaign last season for the Saints, as they just about avoided being the worst team the Premier League has ever seen, based on points.

Will Still’s first job will be returning the club’s confidence after that campaign, and helping his players to do that needs to be done sharply if they want to achieve promotion from the Championship.

However, there are a few players he will not have to worry about doing this with, as the club have bid farewell to several players who were involved at the club last season.

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Potential Championship return for free agent after Besiktas deal collapses

Kyle Walker-Peters left Southampton for free this summer after the expiration of his contract when Southampton were relegated.

The full-back had agreed to join Besiktas; however, the deal was cancelled by the Turkish club, with it being announced on their club website.

Walker-Peters has impressed in the Premier League across a number of seasons and would be a good signing for a number of sides across Europe; however, he may now be targeting a Championship return.

Yet, there was no firm interest apart from Besiktas, despite Walker-Peters demonstrating through his career he was good enough to play at the top level, which may force him to sign with another Championship side.

He spent five years with the Saints, playing across the Championship and Premier League, being one of the star players at the club.

At just 28 years old, he would be of interest to a number of clubs looking to battle for promotion.

Championship clubs who could sign Kyle Walker-Peters

Walker-Peters may believe he should be playing in a top-flight league; however, he may have to make do with another Championship side.

If he is to sign for a Championship side, he will be looking to join those who may be targeting promotion to the Premier League, excluding Southampton.

This could only see him joining a handful of clubs, with Ipswich Town, Sheffield United, and Birmingham City being considered clubs expected to make a push for promotion.

The Tractor Boys may believe they don’t need Walker-Peters due to the options they currently have; however, both Sheffield United and Birmingham City may consider attempting to bring the full-back into their squads.