Can Koeman shock with successful Saints season despite exodus?

Following a mass exodus of stars primarily migrating north to Liverpool this summer, Southampton (7/4 to finish in the top 10 again) and their fans are at panic stations.

The Saints have recouped a reported £92m from their sales this summer, but have shipped out the majority of the English core that had admirably excelled.

Spending that money may prove to be a harder task for Southampton than one might think. Clubs know they need to buy, and bringing in English players may prove even harder, given the high market value the Saints have bestowed upon their own.

Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren all swapped the south coast for Merseyside, whilst teenage prodigies Luke Shaw and Calum Chambers sealed big money moves to Manchester United and Arsenal respectively.

Southampton’s eighth-place finish last term equalled their best league performance in 11 years, and the aforementioned players contributed 24 goals of the clubs’ 54 in the Premier League. They also laid on 17 of those too.

That’s a palpable influence that if not addressed, will surely signal a sharp downturn in fortunes at St Mary’s.

Rumours persist over the futures of top-goalscorer Jay Rodriguez and French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin too, with Tottenham considered the most likely destination for the pair.

If they were to follow former manager Mauricio Pochettino to White Hart Lane, Southampton may find themselves in some deep, deep trouble.

Not only have all their sales been to other Premier League rivals, but their two permanent signings, Dusan Tadic and Graziano Pelle, have no experience in English football after coming from the Dutch top-flight.

Also new to the league, is boss Ronald Koeman.

The Dutchman enjoyed an unquestionably stellar playing career and is probably best remembered in management for his tenure at Ajax, where he captured two top-flight titles.