Southampton began their pre-season preparations against the D.C. United Under-23s on 15 July 2016, winning 2–0 thanks to a first-half goal from James Ward-Prowse and a late penalty by Jay Rodriguez. Commencing a tour of the Netherlands the following week, the Saints beat PEC Zwolle 4–0 on 23 July, with Charlie Austin opening the scoring before new signings Nathan Redmond (twice) and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (with a penalty) scored their first goals for the club. Four days later, the side won their third game in a row by beating FC Twente 2–1, with defender Virgil van Dijk and striker Sam Gallagher getting on the scoresheet. The club ended their Dutch tour by extending their winning run to four with a win over FC Groningen on 30 July, the only goal scored by Austin. Upon their return to England, the Saints hosted Spanish side Espanyol on 3 August, which they drew 1–1 to end their winning run. Midfielder Oriol Romeu opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half, but Felipe Caicedo equalised for the visitors in the second half through a penalty, which was awarded for a foul in the penalty area by van Dijk on Léo Baptistão. In their final pre-season friendly, Southampton beat Athletic Bilbao 1–0 thanks to a goal from Shane Long just before half-time.
