---
title: "Ryan Bertrand delivers encouraging message over his Saints future"
canonical: "https://readsouthampton.com/2020/12/22/ryan-bertrand-keen-on-new-saints-deal-contract-rumours/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "jrushworth"
section: "News"
published: "2020-12-22T14:00:00Z"
modified: "2020-12-22T14:00:00Z"
---

# Ryan Bertrand delivers encouraging message over his Saints future

Southampton defender [Ryan Bertrand](https://readsouthampton.com/2020/12/21/saints-fans-want-new-deal-for-ryan-bertrand/) has insisted he wants to commit his long-term future to the Saints and put pen to paper on a new deal amid reports that he is closing in on an agreement of fresh terms.

Bertrand has been an integral member of Southampton’s starting line-up so far this season as they have got off to a really strong start to the campaign. The experienced left-back has appeared in all but one of the Saints’ opening 14 Premier League matches, helping Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side record four clean sheets ([Sofascore](https://www.sofascore.com/player/ryan-bertrand/20756)). That shows he continues to be a crucial performer at St Mary’s.

The 31-year-old’s is heading into the final few months of his current [£70,000-a-week deal](https://www.spotrac.com/epl/southampton-fc/ryan-bertrand-15524/) at St Mary’s, which means that he could potentially be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with a club from abroad in the January transfer window. That would leave the Saints with a real need to fill the left-back slot, with [nobody in their squad pushing hard](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fc-southampton/leistungsdaten/verein/180) to supplant Bertrand.

Southampton are [reportedly keen](https://twitter.com/alex_crook/status/1336654036142067717?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1336654036142067717%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Freadsouthampton.com%2F%3Fp%3D60389) to tie him down to a new deal and the defender is thought to be close to agreeing fresh terms. The player has now spoken out to say that he wants to sign a new deal and commit his future to the club, adding that he is keen to remain part of what Hasenhuttl is building.

Speaking to the [Daily Echo](https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/18960698.bertrand-want-part-saints-long-haul/), Bertrand said:

> Definitely, I want to stay. That’s my thought process. I see myself staying here and it would be great to be part of this club for the long haul.
>
> I’ve been here so long. I have still got plenty of years left in me. And to go beyond that and possibly work for the club even after.
>
> I’m fully focussed on hopefully extending my contract here.

### **Read Southampton verdict**

Bertrand signing a new deal would be a major boost for the Saints, with Hasenhuttl seeing him as a key member of the team. The 31-year-old has been an impressive performer so far this season, averaging 1.9 tackles and 0.6 key passes per game in his 13 Premier League appearances ([Sofascore](https://www.sofascore.com/player/ryan-bertrand/20756)).

Whilst Bertrand might not be able to get forward on the overlap as frequently as before, his calming presence on the left-hand side of their defence has been crucial to helping them become very hard to beat. It would likely cost the Saints a lot of money in the transfer window to replace a player of his ability and it therefore makes sense to secure his future for another couple of years.

However, Southampton will need to work on finding a potential long-term successor over the coming transfer windows; and if Bertrand remains at the club, he can be an invaluable mentor for a new arrival and help them to develop their game to suit Hasenhuttl’s system.