Opinion: Southampton should think about authorizing a loan exit for a winter 2025 signing.

After Will Still, 32, was appointed manager this summer, Southampton is getting ready for life under his tutelage.

After Simon Rusk’s brief tenure as interim manager, Southampton looked to the Englishman, who was born in Belgium, to succeed Ivan Juric. The Saints, who were demoted from the Premier League and are now back in the Championship, will be hoping to get back to the top division as soon as possible.

Still most recently served as manager of Lens after spending two seasons at Reims, when his remarkable 14-game winning streak catapulted him into the spotlight.

Southampton has already brought in two players this summer, and more are anticipated to join St. Mary’s before the transfer market closes. It does, however, imply that more departures are probably forthcoming.

In light of this, the Saints ought to approve a loan agreement for 18-year-old center-back Joachim Kayi Sanda in order to support his growth this season.

Kayi Sanda joined the team in January for €5 million from Valenciennes, but he only made two appearances after relegation was guaranteed. Next season, senior football would seem to need more playing time.

Southampton ought to make a loan. Sanda, Joachim Kayi

Still is likely to rely on his team’s more seasoned players since he wants to return to the Premier League right away.

The teenager is unlikely to secure a consistent position in the starting lineup at Southampton because there are presently seven center-backs for him to contend with.

The defender may want to spend another season in his native country before returning to compete for a spot at St. Mary’s, given that he has already made 20 appearances in the French second division. If not, a lower-tier Championship team or a League One team vying for promotion could be adequate.