Summer squad clear-out: sensible or risky?

Plenty of players look likely to head for the exit this summer. It isn’t wholesale rebuild territory, but with loans returning and contracts ending we need sensible business and a clear plan.

There’s an honesty to the list here — a recognition that a chunk of the squad is transient and that some players have simply not fitted. It’s not a rant, more a practical look at who should go, who could stay and what we absolutely need in the summer window.

Who should probably be moved on

Some departures feel straightforward: Tav and Matondo are thanked and waved off, and there are a number of loan returns who naturally head back to their parent clubs — Meghoma, Djiga, Aarons, Moore. Then you’ve got the squad players who haven’t convinced enough to stay permanently: Miovski, Bajrami, Cifuentes and Cortes are names mentioned as sellable if we can recoup anything. The feeling on Sterling is tough to stomach — favourite player but chronically injured, expensive and not available enough to justify the wage bill unless we get a useful offer.

Keepers, priorities and the core

Some players form a sensible spine and you don’t want to tinker too much there — the post lists Butland, Souttar, Fernandez and a clutch of others as the core. I’d add that keeping a reliable centre-half and a creative centre-mid should be a priority, especially if offers come for young stars like Dio or Raskin. Souttar is someone fans want tied down, and if that doesn’t happen then another centre-half becomes a must-have.

What needs signing and the summer plan

Practical shopping list: a goalkeeper, two right-backs, a centre-half, a central midfielder, a left-back, at least one wide player and another striker. ASO on a permanent deal is flagged as important. Ideally 3–4 of those would slot straight into the starting eleven. And crucially, give a couple of youngsters minutes — Glasgow mentioned as an example — so we don’t keep buying to cover every position.

Truth is, it’s not a full rebuild but significant surgery. Lots of loans ending means turnover, but the aim should be to keep a better core and be smart in the market rather than panic buys. If we get offers for key youngsters then the plan must adapt, but sensible recruitment and a few promoted youth players could steady the ship.

Written by Cooper11-Legend: 19 February 2026