Southampton have entered a period where they need to resolve the futures of their players and one loan star has dropped a hint over his next move.
Russell Martin will know he has a big summer ahead as he aims to assemble a squad that can compete in the Premier League.
Burnley, Luton Town and Sheffield United showed how difficult it is to survive in the top flight, coming straight back down after achieving promotion from the Championship.
Martin can be forgiven for not worrying about the challenge that lies ahead just yet, with the celebrations from Sunday’s 1-0 victory in the play-off final just beginning to wind down.
Once the dust has settled on their celebrations, though, the Saints boss has to resolve the futures of several players, with Flynn Downes and Ryan Fraser said to be at the forefront of his priorities.
Similar can’t be said for midfielder Joe Rothwell, who has given supporters an update on his future after the play-off final.
Joe Rothwell says future at Southampton is ‘up in the air’
Southampton signed Rothwell on loan from Bournemouth in the January transfer window, alongside teammate David Brooks.
Rothwell made 16 appearances for the South Coasters but started just four of those as Martin preferred the likes of Will Smallbone, Downes and Stuart Armstrong over him.
The 29-year-old did still impress across some matches, netting two braces from the bench in wins over Huddersfield and Sunderland; strikes that were vital in the promotion race. Martin even described his wonder strike against the Black Cats as “amazing”.
Despite claiming in March that he’d be happy to join the club permanently, after playing just 23 minutes in their final four games – and was an unused substitute in the play-off final – Rothwell has claimed the loan spell hasn’t gone “quite as he would have liked”.
Speaking to the Daily Echo about his future, the midfielder said: “I’ve obviously got to go back to Bournemouth. I will have conversations with them and see where they see me.
“We will take it from there really. I’m not thinking about that. We have just got promoted so it’s time to enjoy it for the next couple of days.
“Then I will get away with the family to relax and then come back ready to go.”
Joe Rothwell will have played his final game for Southampton
If Southampton remained in the Championship and lost to Leeds in the play-off final, perhaps loaning Rothwell back next season is an avenue Sport Republic would explore.
Unfortunately for the ex-Blackburn star, promotion to the Premier League has all but ruled out a return to St Marys, with Martin looking to add quality to his midfield ranks.
Rothwell’s contract at Bournemouth runs until 2026 and having struggled for regular starts at Southampton, it’s unlikely Andoni Iraola will utilise him regularly, if ever.
The best thing he can do for his career is move on from the Vitality Stadium this summer, as while he isn’t good enough for the top flight, many Championship clubs would take him in a heartbeat.