A number of Southampton fans have been left concerned by the latest update from Ralph Hasenhuttl on the future of Danny Ings, with no contract agreement yet being reached between the two parties.
Southampton unsurprisingly want to tie him down to a new contract, with Ings’ current £75,000-a-week deal set to expire at the end of next season. The 28-year-old has suffered a couple of injury issues so far this term, but he remains an integral part of Hasenhuttl’s side and what the Austrian is trying to build at St Mary’s.
Ings has been a revelation at Southampton since he signed permanently for the club in the summer of 2019 for around £20m. The striker fired in 22 goals in 38 Premier League appearances last term and he has already registered an impressive tally of seven goals and three assists in 13 appearances so far this season (Sofascore). That makes him their most important attacking player.
The Athletic reporter Dan Sheldon revealed on Twitter that Hasenhuttl has suggested that no agreement has yet been reached between the Saints and Ings over the terms of a potential new contract. He also suggested that, whilst the manager wants the player to stay, the club would have no choice but to move on if the 28-year-old doesn’t agree a new deal.
Hasenhuttl said: “We are trying to extend his contract. It’s not a secret. We have in the moment a tricky situation the Premier League. Every club is losing money. I am hoping we find an agreement. If not, life will go on.”
Sheldon also revealed that the issues surrounding the stalling of a new contract being signed are not down to fiscal reasons and that the Saints have made a strong financial offer to him in terms of wages.
For what it’s worth, this is doesn’t down to money. Danny will become #SaintsFC’s highest paid player if he signs the contract. The salary side of things hasn’t been an issue. https://t.co/LRWXaiOo3X
— Dan Sheldon (@Dan_Sheldon_) January 18, 2021
Southampton fans react to Ings update
Many Southampton fans were left concerned with this news, believing that it suggests a new deal is unlikely for the 28-year-old. One supporter even suggested that the Saints need to cash in on him now.
Don't like the sound of this https://t.co/kXrlYmMrPQ
— Callum Wilson (@CallumWilson21) January 18, 2021
This doesn’t sound all that promising 🤔 #SaintsFC https://t.co/cnVsc6SaUO
— James McFadden 🎮 (@McFadden1985) January 18, 2021
This probably isnt a good thing for Saints. Wanting to play European football maybe? Could be number of years on the deal. Speculating of course, but if its not a money issue and according to Ralph he wants to play for Saints whats the holdup
— Chicago- SaintsFC (@Chi_Saintsfan) January 18, 2021
This is confusing, saw something on here saying he wants to stay but if this is the case what else is it? Does he want European football? Just want it all done tbh, either stay or go
— Will Mitchell (@WillsfcMitchell) January 18, 2021
Sounds like to me he wants the club to match his ambition and sadly with Gao we can’t do that https://t.co/T83NZAxP41
— Brandan Poole (@brandanpoole) January 18, 2021
This is not good news, essentially means we’ve done all we can to keep him financially and he’s still not sure https://t.co/r07xP93i2Q
— Sam (@samhmnd) January 18, 2021
We know he would be the highest paid player at the club if he stays so not about the money. Understand if he’s concerned about the club’s ambition without new owners…
— Jim Wright (@jdgwright) January 18, 2021
Gutting. But need to cash in soon.
— Hell on Earth: A 500 year old Death Cult. (@RAFweremurdered) January 18, 2021
I really hope he does stay as it would create a real problem for Ralph to find a decent replacement with the sell to buy arrangement. Probably means we would need to sell him this summer to get a decent offer 🙁
— Caroline Emerson 💙 🇺🇦 (@SoftSallySaint) January 18, 2021
