As the first team in Premier League history to be relegated with seven games still remaining, a huge rebuilding job is needed if Southampton are going to return to the top-flight anytime soon.
With virtually nothing left to play for, apart from trying to beat Derby County's record-low points tally of 11, all eyes are firmly on the transfer window and another season in the Championship - a division that they very well could get stuck in if they do not acquire smartly.
After making 14 new additions to their squad last summer, many of these could be set to leave, while longer serving ones could also still depart.
However, some names are much more significant than others, so here are six key players that will likely depart Southampton in their summer overhaul.
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Aaron Ramsdale
It was evident towards the end of last season that Southampton needed a new goalkeeper, but after a shaky start to the Premier League campaign from Alex McCarthy, it felt like an absolute necessity.
Feyenoord's Justin Bijlow looked like the man who would come through the door at St Mary's, but after complication with his medical, Saints went bold.
After being linked almost all summer, Southampton paid £18 million upfront to Arsenal for his services, which was followed by a big announcement as the 26-year-old dressed as Hagrid from Harry Potter in his unveiling video.
Unfortunately for Saints, even his magic was not enough to keep them in the league.
Overall, Ramsdale had some good moments, but with the defence he had in-front of him, he was left helpless on too many occasions and he has conceded 56 goals to-date, while keeping just three clean sheets.
Despite a third relegation added to his CV, the England international is still a more than capable Premier League shot-stopper and he is not short of suitors, with rumours of his £25 million release clause being eyed up by Chelsea and Newcastle.
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Kyle Walker-Peters
He has been close to leaving in the past and almost went last summer, but Saints' £25 million valuation proved too steep for West Ham, who opted to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka instead.
Now with his contract up in June, it is almost inevitable that he departs the south coast this summer, with the Hammers still keen on his signature.
Now 27, Walker-Peters has made almost 150 top-flight appearances and is a well-established Premier League full-back, making him a pretty safe bet for the majority of clubs - especially on a free transfer.
For Southampton, his presence will be a huge loss as he was a key figure in their Championship campaign last time out, meaning technical director Johannes Spors has a big job on his hands to fill the void.
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Taylor Harwood-Bellis
Despite being part of the worst defence in the league, Harwood-Bellis has certainly been one of the better players in the squad - although that isn't very hard...
After coming through the Manchester City academy, the 23-year-old has managed to keep his reputation in-tact during his first full season in the Premier League despite Southampton's struggles, with his performances even being rewarded by being handed his England debut.
As well as showing signs of promise, a change in his agency also suggests he has one eye on the future, with West Ham and Crystal Palace both said to be vying for his signature.
After paying £20 million for him in the summer, this seems like it will be recouped quite easily, although Saints will be left short at the back if not replaced well.
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Flynn Downes
It has been a rather tumultuous season at the club for Downes, and one that will likely see him exit after his first season as a permanent player.
As one of the standout individuals for Southampton in the Championship whilst on loan from West Ham, the club did everything in their power to make the deal permanent ahead of the new season - something they succeeded in doing, much to the delight of the fans.
As the consistent player he is, he started the season decently, but things turned sour when Ivan Juric was appointed.
After reportedly trying to force a move in January, Juric dropped him from the squad for two weeks, with the situation being resolved after the Croatian told him to "put on the t-shirt and train hard."
However, despite Juric departing the club, Downes looks almost certain to do the same, with there sure to be a handful of clubs looking to pick him up when the window opens.
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Mateus Fernandes
Arriving as somewhat of an unknown entity, Mateus Fernandes has, arguably, been Southampton's best player in a disastrous season.
At just 20-years-old, Fernandes has worked harder than most, is technically brilliant on the ball and has shown great composure, although he has been let down by the players he has had to give the ball to.
He was labelled as a future captain by those associated with Sporting CP and his departure was met with anger by many of the fans, something that now makes a lot of sense.
Signed for £12.8 million upfront, a host of clubs are keeping close tabs on the Portuguese midfielder, including Juventus, suggesting a profit is almost guaranteed to be made.
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Tyler Dibling
The last player on the list, but the one most linked with a move away, Tyler Dibling is being looked at by almost everyone.
It is reported that 16 of the 20 Premier League clubs have enquired about the 19-year-old, as well as many abroad, highlighting just how in-demand the winger is.
He has become a key figure for the Saints this season, with his direct style of play, electric pace and low centre of gravity causing real problems for almost every defence.
Despite rumours of Southampton demanding £100 million to let him go, a fee of between £30-£50 million will likely suffice, with the teenager certainly having the world at his feet.
