Southampton, like many mid-table sides, have been incredibly inconsistent for much of this Premier League season.
After a run of six games unbeaten, the Saints are now without a win in three matches and look like they will struggle to make it into the Europa League places as the form of teams around them continues to improve.
Another season of comparative disappointment may see Saints’ best players look to move on once more, but the club has, unfortunately, had to become used to seeing their star names picked off by the bigger clubs.
Adam Lallana, Morgan Schneiderlin and Luke Shaw have all been taken away by perceived bigger clubs, whilst Southampton have had to restock their squad like a discount store on Black Friday each summer.
Ronald Koeman faces the prospect of another summer of unrest as, despite the lessened hype, his squad is at risk of being picked apart like a Roberto Martinez defence.
So, could losing these FIVE be the killer blow to Southampton?
Virgil van Dijk
Few players have looked as assured defensively as Van Dijk this season. Playing alongside the calming experience of Jose Fonte can only have helped the former Celtic man to settle in to the Premier League, but he looks ready for whatever the opposition can throw at him.
The Dutchman is still only 24 and surely is a target for bigger clubs around Europe.
Southampton have one of the Premier League’s meanest defences and Van Dijk’s partnership with Fonte is crucial to that
Fraser Forster
As Manchester United worry if Real Madrid will come for David de Gea again and Liverpool look to replace the flimsy Simon Mignolet, Forster must be a wanted man in the board rooms of the biggest clubs.
His brilliant form after his return from injury caught the eye of many pundits, but the disappointment of his recent mistakes is sure to be a concern for both Forster and Koeman.
Against both Bournemouth and Chelsea Forster was at fault for goals and these crucial mistakes could be very hurtful to any potential move this summer.
Sadio Mane
Mane has fallen out of favour at St Mary’s of late, after a blistering start to the campaign.
Koeman has preferred to pair Shane Long and Charlie Austin in the front line and Mane has not found the net since the 6-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Capital One Cup back in December.
The Senegalese striker has only found the net three times in the league this season and, if Southampton choose to sell, the potential fee will have significantly decreased.
Victor Wanyama
Wanyama has been the constant in the Southampton midfield, considering Davis’ changing roles in the side, as the Kenyan provides a screen in front of the defence.
Of late, Wanyama has been partnered with Oriol Romeu and been integral to the midfield solidity. The powerful defensive midfield is like a brick wall in front of the formidable Southampton defensive pairing and has been aided by Romeu’s ability on the ball when they look to build centrally.
Quality defensive midfielders are hot property and Wanyama may well be a target for several of the bigger clubs around Europe who are short of a midfield enforcer. Arsenal are still in the market for support in this position and Wanyama, despite his weak passing range, could be the answer.
James Ward-Prowse
James Ward-Prowse, for all his talent, has only started 14 Premier League games this season. The youngster has struggled to fit in to the starting XI on a regular basis and has been rotated throughout the campaign.
Koeman’s 3-5-2 has limited opportunities for the set piece maestro, although other clubs will be eyeing up the midfielder this summer. His dead ball delivery is up there with the best in the league and is symbolic of his high technical standards.
Often used in a more advanced role at Saints, Ward-Prowse needs to make a position his own if he is to reach his impressive potential.
His 84% pass completion in Premier League games this season is a further testament to his vision, whilst his 1.2 key passes per game might improve if given a more prominent role in a side.
The premium on young English players will see Southampton ask big money for this youngster, but a huge offer could tempt the south coast club into a sale.