By Kwame Bediako
Southampton have been relegated from the English Premier League. Their relegation was confirmed on Sunday, 6 April 2025, following a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur. The Saints, who have struggled throughout the season, were officially relegated from the top tier with a staggering seven matches still left to play.
Ghana international Kamaldeen Sulemana, who started and played the full 90 minutes in the decisive match, will now face the reality of returning to second-tier football after Southampton’s inability to escape the bottom of the table.
Despite the team’s collective struggles, Sulemana has been one of the standout performers for Southampton this season. The 22-year-old winger has made 19 league appearances, contributing one goal and showcasing flashes of brilliance that have endeared him to the fans.
His versatility and work ethic have been a rare bright spot in an otherwise dismal campaign for the club. Sulemana’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable, having risen through the ranks of the Right to Dream Academy before making a name for himself in European football with FC Nordsjælland and Rennes.
Southampton’s relegation marks the end of a long and arduous season for the club. Since early November, the Saints have been stuck at the bottom of the Premier League table, unable to muster a consistent run of form. With just one win in 20 fixtures, the writing has been on the wall for months.
The defeat at Tottenham, a match in which Sulemana featured prominently, was the final blow in a season that will be remembered for its struggles and disappointment. The club’s faithful supporters will now have to come to terms with life outside the Premier League, at least for the foreseeable future.
Sulemana’s journey to Southampton began in January 2023, when he made the move from French side Rennes. During his time in France, the young Ghanaian made 34 league appearances, scoring five goals and providing two assists. His performances caught the eye of Southampton’s scouts, who saw potential in the dynamic winger.
While his first full season in England has been overshadowed by the team’s relegation, Sulemana has shown enough quality to suggest that he could still play a key role in the club’s future, whether in the Championship or beyond.
As the dust settles on Southampton’s relegation, questions will inevitably arise about the future of key players like Kamaldeen Sulemana. While the club will aim to retain its best talent for a promotion push next season, the allure of top-tier football may prove too great for some.
For now, Sulemana and his teammates must come to terms with the reality of second-tier football, a far cry from the heights they had hoped to achieve this season. Despite the setback, the young Ghanaian’s journey is far from over, and his determination will likely shine through as he bids to help Southampton bounce back.
