Aston Villa legend advises Southampton to keep hold of Edozie amid Rangers, Club Brugge interest

Aston Villa legend and Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie has advised Championship club Southampton to retain talented youngster Samuel Edozie, who has been the subject of interest from multiple clubs in recent weeks.

Southampton were relegated from the Premier League last season after a dismal showing, which saw them escape the record of being the team with the lowest points gained in the league by two points.

In an interview with Football League World, Lee Hendrie said, "With Samuel Edozie, I say this time and time again, with big and young players in particular falling away from the Premier League. 

"Seeing what players have achieved in the Premier League at that level, then you're always going to get teams who are bigger, maybe playing in Europe, around Europe that would certainly want to take Edozie.

"I think if you can keep hold of these players, then you can build around these young and talented players they have at the football club."

Lee Hendrie thinks keeping hold of the ex-Manchester City academy player could be crucial for Will Still's side as they begin their crusade to return to the Premier League ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Recent transfer news has linked the Nigeria-eligible winger with a return to Belgium, where he spent the 2024-25 season on loan but this time with Club Brugge, and also a potential reunion with ex-Saints boss Russell Martin at Rangers, who has seen his initial approach rejected by Southampton.

"I think it would be a good thing for him to stay as they've got every chance of promotion again, and that's where you feel you're moving on. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

"I think keeping him at the football club would be the right decision," he concluded.

Samuel Edozie has appeared in 19 Premier League games for Southampton since his move in 2022.

Boluwatife Adenusi

Photo Credit: southamptonfc.com 

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