James Maddison reacts to 'overwhelming' Adam Lallana message as deal terminated

James Maddison reacts to ‘overwhelming’ Adam Lallana message as deal terminated

Adam Lallana has sent an emotional message of “gratitude and price” as his time with Southampton comes to a permanent end.

Southampton hardly made a dent on the Premier League in 2024–25 after their promotion at Wembley against Leeds, and had the second-worst campaign in the competition’s history with just 12 points won.

Russell Martin’s sacking in mid-December was followed by the disastrous tenure of Ivan Juric, and after this ended upon the confirmation of their return to the Championship, Lallana was forced to step up.

The 37-year-old only made 18 appearances after his return to the club on a free transfer from Brighton last summer, but Lallana was catapulted into a coaching role for Southampton’s last seven matches.

Martin was sacked after winning five points from Southampton’s first 16 matches (Credit: Graham Hunt)

Lallana confirms retirement after Southampton exit

Southampton confirmed on 9 June that Lallana would be one of seven players released on June 30, and Kyle Walker-Peters is admired by both West Ham and Everton among other Premier League clubs.

After acting as an assistant to interim manager Simon Rusk for the back end of last season, however, Lallana has called time on his playing career after two spells at Southampton totalling 283 appearances.

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Lallana posted on Instagram (25 June) with a lengthy message to confirm the news after his time with Saints, Liverpool, Brighton and England over a 19-year period, and several of his peers have responded.

James Milner, Danny Welbeck and James Maddison were just three ex-teammates to leave comments, and the latter’s said: “What a guy! Some career for some player!

“One of my favourites to watch growing up mate and pleasure to now call you my friend! All the best in next chapter Adz”.

Southampton set for summer of change after Lallana exit

Football Insider Verdict

Southampton fans will have expected Lallana’s retirement to come following his departure from St. Mary’s this month, but that still won’t soften the blow of losing a club legend ahead of a tough season.

Saints head into the Championship as one of the Premier League’s worst-ever sides, and with Walker-Peters set to remain in the top-flight with a potential move to rivals Brighton, further exits are expected.

Aaron Ramsdale has also been told he can leave Southampton on loan despite a relegation release clause, and with Tyler Dibling also touted for a big-money departure, new manager Will Still’s squad is likely to look very different next season.

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