After winning the promotion play-offs in May, head coach Russell Martin was sacked as Southampton dropped to the bottom of the league just a few hours after the team lost 5–0 to Tottenham Hotspur on 15 December 2024.

[72] A fifth friendly was announced on 11 July against Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium.

[76] Win Draw Loss Fixtures Southampton entered the FA Cup at the third round stage, and were drawn at home to Swansea City.

[79][80] Win Draw Loss Fixtures As a Premier League club not competing in any European competitions, Southampton entered the EFL Cup in the second round, and were drawn away to EFL Championship side Cardiff City.

[81][82] They were then drawn away to fellow Premier League side Everton in the third round,[83] at home to Championship side Stoke City in the fourth round,[84] and at home to Liverpool in the quarter-finals.