After a season marked by the inconsistency of the Saints players it is a shame that our most consistent player, Safri, is heading out, at a time when we need stability with all aspects of the club changing yet again.
Safri may not have been the most eye-catching of players, but his surprising aggression in the tackle and excellent range of passing formed the heartbeat of the side throughout the season and only Stern John's feats in front of goal prevented him from earning this site's player of the season award.
His are big boots to fill by an unproven French youngster and a veteran coming back from a serious injury. As ever high wages and a reasonable offer made the difference and he departs for 400k Euros to Qatar Sports Club for a final payday at 31.
A more unexpected move was the signing of Tommy Forecast, a promising 21-year-old keeper from Spurs. Saints were able to sign him by accepting him as part of a deal over the outstanding future payments on the Gareth Bale deal.
This leaves Saints over-stocked in the goalkeeping department with Davis, Bialkowski and Poke all contracted, although Poke is likely to move to Torquay. Of course this ends the pipe dream of resigning the huge talent that is Richard Wright who frankly deserves to play in the Premiership.
Having sacrificed future revenue from the Bale deal, Forecast will surely get his opportunity to be the Saints Number One, particularly as he is on a five year contract, putting the future of one of the higher earners, Davis, into doubt.
Safri may be the first big name exit of those in contract, but he certainly won't be the last.