Southampton’s £20m transfer plan could pave way for Aaron Ramsdale exit and spell trouble for Championship rivals

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Southampton are a Championship club in-waiting, but it seems they are already plotting some big transfers for the summer already.

After finding a way to promotion through the Championship play-offs last season, there were high hopes for Southampton in the Premier League this season.

Frankly, though, the Saints have been abysmal in the top flight. With just 11 points to their name so far this season, Southampton will go down as one of the worst teams in Premier League history.

They were the first team to be confirmed for the Championship 2025/26 campaign, but as they prepare for life in the second tier, it looks like Southampton are ready to make a big splash.

• READ MORE: Leeds and Burnley will fear Southampton fate as gulf between Premier League and Championship continues to grow

Southampton could spend big money on West Ham ace this summer

According to a report from Alan Nixon on Patreon, Southampton are “keen to sign” West Ham winger Luis Guilherme in the summer.

It is said Southampton are desperate to “bounce back” after this relegation and will be searching for “new blood” in the summer market as they prepare for multiple departures.

In terms of a price for Guilherme, West Ham hope to “recover” close to the £20m they paid for the Brazilian back in the summer of 2024.

However, the deal could potentially end up being a loan-to-buy move, or we could even see Aaron Ramsdale move in the opposite direction as part of the switch.

We know that a number of top flight clubs are keen on Ramsdale, and the Saints will be preparing to cash in to fund their next promotion-chasing campaign.

• READ MORE: Reason Will Still’s Sunderland move fell through as Southampton prepare for Championship promotion push

Championship rivals should underestimate Southampton at their peril

Southampton may have been dire this season in the Premier League, but we should expect the Saints to be a force to be reckoned with next season upon their return to the Championship.

The only issue is the fact they are still searching for a new manager, and fans are not impressed with Southampton’s shortlist for the vacancy.

Steven Gerrard has been mooted for the role, along with Danny Rohl, Frank Lampard, and David Wagner. But, whoever comes in is likely to get a substantial transfer budget to add to an already talented squad.

One exciting prospect is the fact that Southampton will have Shea Charles back after his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday, and he’s exactly the kind of player that can help the Saints challenge for promotion once more.