UCL winner & more: 5 Premier League free agents Martin must consider to solve key Southampton issue - opinion

Southampton have a number of areas to address to ensure their squad is ready for a crack at the Premier League next season.

Russell Martin steered his side through the play-offs to secure promotion having finished fourth in the Championship.

However, the fact that five of the players that finished the season at the club were on loan, combined with the fact Stuart Armstrong, Che Adams and Alex McCarthy are all out of contract, means there are gaps in the squad.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis has already become Southampton‘s first signing of the summer, with the terms of his loan deal meaning his permanent signing was confirmed from Manchester City alongside promotion.

There is work to be done, though, and a key issue within the current group of players needs addressing.

Southampton squad lacks Premier League experience

The Saints confirmed in their retained list that Stuart Armstrong would not be extending his stay at the club following the expiration of his current contract this summer.

At 32, Armstrong was Southampton’s oldest outfield player in their entire squad last season and also the only one over the age of 30.

Adams and McCarthy are not yet certain to leave – with contract discussions ongoing – however if the pair to depart then that is 271 combined Premier League appearances leaving a side desperately short on top level experience.

Aside from those mentioned, captain Jack Stephens is the next oldest player at 30.

Luckily for Martin and Southampton, though, there is a low-cost solution to this problem.

Southampton could use free agent market to add Premier League experience

The Premier League have compiled a list of all the players whose contracts are coming to an end this summer following the end of the season.

Some of the players on this list are confirmed to have been released by their respective clubs, whilst others’ contract are set to expire but they could sign new terms.

Given Southampton need a number of additions and experience should be one of the main considerations this summer, this list of players available for no fee should be the first place they look.

If the club do sign last season’s loanee Ryan Fraser permanently – as they are hoping to – this in itself will add 173 top flight appearances.

Five free agents Southampton could target this summer

The south coast club should not stop at Fraser however, and here are five players they could target who would not cost a penny, with all appearance statistics taken from Transfermarkt.

Mohamed Elneny

Joel Matip

Ben Johnson

Ryan Sessegnon

Bobby Reid