A number of Southampton supporters have called on the club to keep hold of Ryan Bertrand and tie him down to a new deal amid reports they are nearing an agreement over a contract extension.
He has been as reliable as ever for the Saints in the Premier League this season and the experienced left-back has started in all but one of their opening 14 league matches. The 31-year-old has been in very good form, averaging an impressive 1.9 tackles, 0.6 key passes and one clearance per game for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side (Sofascore).
Whilst Bertrand may have lost some of his flair for getting forward swiftly in support of attacks, his reading of the game and experience has been vital to helping Southampton record four clean sheets and establish themselves as one of the surprise packages of the season so far. As a consistent starter under Hasenhuttl, he could be a difficult figure to replace.
It has recently been reported by Alex Crook that Southampton are closing in on agreeing a new deal for Bertrand along with striker Danny Ings. That would be a smart move by the Saints, who at the moment do not have another left-back genuinely pushing for a place in the starting line-up. Therefore, they should look to strengthen that position as a matter of priority.
Saints fans discuss Ryan Bertrand’s future
Many Southampton fans urged the club to extend the defender’s current deal, which expires at the end of the season, while other claimed the Saints need more time to come up with a long-term successor for his place at left-back.
https://twitter.com/saints_fandom/status/1340922259930755074
Think we promote from youth team and start bringing whoever in for increasing match time from now onwards. Even if RB goes for another contract, at some point he will need replacing, let's manage it not react to it.
— Darthspud 🏴 🏴☠️ 🏴 ⚽️ (@Darthspud2) December 21, 2020
Still doing a great job he should be signed up for another 2 years – how old is Ronaldo ???!!!!!
— trevor “the robin” harvey (@cheddartrevor) December 21, 2020
I think we need another KWP to replace him when the time comes…
— Jonno C. Peak 🎹 😇 ⚽️ 😇 Mush (@AussieSaintJohn) December 21, 2020
Short contract.
— Paul Stewart Gallery 📍 (@pstewartgallery) December 21, 2020
https://twitter.com/fitz_mike13/status/1340918015492284416
Stay
— scott fisher (@scottfi54648411) December 21, 2020
