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One Southampton star could take a leaf out of Leeds United man Junior Firpo’s book ahead of the 2025/26 Championship season.
Southampton are gearing up for their Championship campaign, where they will hope to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Preparations are already underway, with Southampton appointing Will Still as manager, a sign that the Saints hierarchy are willing to follow up Ivan Juric’s short reign with a coach to lead them in a long-term project.
No one is under the illusion that Southampton have been good enough this season in the Premier League, and many individuals on the side will need a significant uptick in form to hit the Championship firing.
One player who has endured a difficult debut campaign is Yukinari Sugawara, but his fortunes could turn if he follows in the footsteps of Leeds United full-back Junior Firpo.
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Yukinari Sugawara could follow in the footsteps of Leeds United’s Junior Firpo and thrive at Championship level
Nobody at St Mary’s played to the best of their abilities in the 2024/25 Premier League season, but we did see shades of quality of Sugawara at times.
The Japanese international defender often showed spectacular pace and willingness to go forward, particularly in the earlier stages of the season, but defensive woes plagued his form.
Overall, it was a difficult and disappointing season for him on the south coast, but the Championship could see him reignite his flame, as Leeds United’s Firpo did.
Once Leeds dropped down to the Championship, Firpo was a revelation, going from an unreliable and shaky defender to an incredible attacking asset under Daniel Farke, something that Sugawara could offer to Still.
Southampton’s Sugawara could help transform Will Still’s side’s attacking capabilities
The 24-year-old right-back played a prominent role under Russell Martin at the start of last season, but found himself out of the side in the last few games of the season – whether that is down to fatigue or the potential of an exit from St Mary’s, Still must ensure that he keeps Sugawara at the club because of what he can offer.
At Championship level, Sugawara could rip up defences, offering a nimble and quick option to add to the attack in transition, something that fits Still’s style of play.
Still will have a difficult task to bring his players back up to speed this summer, but one he should prioritise is ultimately Sugawara – the reward he can offer is incredible, and there is no doubt he could be a leading defender at Championship level.