Southampton winger Sam Edozie has handed in a formal transfer request. The 23-year-old submitted the request ahead of Tuesday night's deadline.
Edozie joined Southampton from Manchester City in September 2022. He has made 29 starts and 57 substitute appearances for the club, also spending the 2024-25 season on loan at Anderlecht. The former England Under-20 international stated he is not getting the minutes he needs at St Mary's.
Sam Edozie published a statement on Instagram explaining his decision. He said he wants to play regularly and develop his career, believing a move is now essential. "A football career is short, and I believe it is important I now have the opportunity to go somewhere I can play regularly, continue to develop and make the most of my career as a player," Edozie said.
He also claimed Southampton had previously blocked his exit. "Last summer I had the opportunity to move elsewhere, but the club did not allow me to leave," Edozie stated. He said the same situation occurred again in January. The winger added he currently has multiple offers from European clubs and alleged the club requested up to 50% of any future transfer fee.
The transfer request comes as Southampton sit 18th in the Championship with 2 points from their first three games. Their recent form reads WWL, and they have scored 9 goals while conceding 4. The squad is already without injured players Caspar Jander and Flynn Downes, details of which are tracked on our injuries page.
Edozie's desire to leave presents a challenge for manager Russell Martin. The team is seven points behind early leaders Charlton and needs all available attacking options. The current squad list shows the depth in wide areas will be tested if a departure is agreed.
Southampton's start to the 2026-27 campaign has been inconsistent. They have shown attacking threat with a +5 goal difference but have taken just two wins from three outings. The next fixture is an away trip to face 17th-placed Lincoln on September 5th. Fans can follow the team's schedule on our fixtures page.
The club's league standings position adds pressure to resolve the Edozie situation cleanly. Any disruption in the final days of the window could affect preparations for a busy period. Southampton were approached for comment by BBC Sport but have not yet issued a public response.
The immediate focus is whether a club meets Southampton's valuation before the deadline closes. Edozie's statement makes clear his preference is to secure a move to a team where he will be a regular starter. His experience in England and a season in Belgium's top flight will interest suitors.
His next competitive match could be for a new team or, if no move materialises, he will remain a Southampton player. The club faces Lincoln City at Sincil Bank on Saturday, September 5th.
