Why Is This Talented Championship Centre Back Not Playing - Will He Leave In January?

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A championship centre-back could be on the move as he has been axed from the squad despite his immense talent. 22-year-old Ronnie Edwards has only featured 11 times in the Championship this season for Southampton, and it is looking more and more likely that he will leave in the January window. The last time the England Under-21 international played for the Saints was on the 6th of December ,and did not feature in the squad at all in their Boxing Day defeat to Oxford United.

Why Hasn't He Been Playing?

In what seems to be an internal issue at Southampton, Edwards has not publicly criticised the club or his manager. The most likely situation is that Southampton boss Tonda Eckert and Edwards have had a falling out of some kind. Eckert hasn't mentioned too much on why he has omitted him from his squad, as there is no apparent injury for Edwards.

Southampton have been playing a three-centre-back formation often including either Jack Stephens, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Nathan Wood-Gordon and Joshua Quarshie. All four of these centre-backs have been preferred over Edwards who can't find himself a place in the backline. He had his longest run of games in the starting XI between September and October but since then has failed to register a single start.

There is no doubt about his talent. Edwards earned himself a move to Southampton in the summer of 2024 after a brilliant few seasons at Peterborough United. After making just a single appearance for The Saints in the Premier League in the 2024/25 season, he joined Queens Park Rangers on loan in January in a bid for more game time. In only half a season, he had QPR fans fall in love with him. He operated at centre-half and defensive midfield for The R's and scored twice in 21 appearances. There were talks of a return to the club last summer, but Edwards remained with the Saints this season.

Transfer window has closed and no Ronnie Edwards... pic.twitter.com/ikSIqmndxM

— TommyQPR 🤍💙 (@HarbzTommy) September 1, 2025

Who Could Be Edwards' Suitors?

A plethora of Championship clubs could use a player like Edwards. Despite his young age, he has played over 100 games in the EFL already. He is a commanding centre back who is comfortable playing out of the back and even going on some marauding runs. His versatility is also a key asset as he can also play in midfield or right-back.

Now, QPR look to be the most likely suitors for Edwards' as he is loved by the fans, and they do need some reinforcements at the back. With Jake Clarke-Salter's injury problems and an aging Steve Cook, a fresh-faced centre back could really push QPR on to the play off places. When he left Rangers in the summer, his Instagram post did have QPR fans purring and the prospect of him returning.

He ended his post thanking the club with, "it's goodbye for now". If that doesn't indicate a potential return then what does? He also mentioned before that he has family who are QPR fans. All the signs are there for a return to W12, it's just if QPR can afford Southampton's asking price come January.

QPR won't be the only ones licking their lips at the potential signing of Edwards. A number of other clubs in the Championship could do with some defensive reinforcements in January. A loan deal could be on the cards for those clubs who might not be able to afford his price tag.

One of those clubs could be Ipswich Town who have been hit with a couple of injuries to their backline such as Harry Clarke and Conor Townsend. Edwards would be a very good backup option to both Cedric Kipré and Dara O'Shea. He has enough talent to slot in beside either of those two as well.

Another club that is desperate for defensive reinforcements are Norwich City who have only kept two clean sheets all season. Edwards would immediately improve their backline with Championship experience and also leadership qualities that have been missing for The Canaries. Their defensive record has been woeful this season, conceding at least 1.5 goals per game making them one of the league’s worst sides defensively. Edwards would be an immediate improvement.

Nothing is concrete yet but watch this space, as Edwards is likely to be given a January move if clubs meet the asking price. This is rumoured to be around £5-6 million.

Just realised Ronnie Edwards wasn’t in the southampton squad for boxing day either. Come home Ronnie!! pic.twitter.com/NtrfH1srac

— Ben🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@QPRpu1882) December 28, 2025