The Saints are expected to lose at least 100 million pounds (HK$980 million) in revenue next season after losing their Premier League spot, according to the British media, and will need to sell their main players to fill in the numbers.
Premier League is the world's top league, known for its high commercial value and lucrative TV broadcasting dividends. Last season, the bottom team Norwich had a revenue of 100 million pounds, which means that Southampton has been relegated, and will not have such a huge income next season.
Since returning to the Premier League in 2012, Southampton have been in the top flight for 11 consecutive seasons, finishing 6th in the 2015/16 season. The Saints have produced many stars, including Shadi Ovonnie and Wakefield Wonders, all of whom have used Southampton as a stepping stone to the big leagues.
The 28-year-old England international has scored 10 goals and three assists in 43 matches in all competitions this season, and has scored 17 penalties in the Premier League over the years, making him the second most prolific penalty taker in the history of the Premier League, behind Manchester United star David Bishop, who has scored 18 goals.