A number of Southampton supporters have been reacting to a report from The Athletic that the Saints are in talks with Alex McCarthy over a potential new deal.
The goalkeeper has been an integral part of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side this season, having now fully established himself as the club’s number one keeper. He has missed just one Premier League match all season, which came during the 1-0 win against Liverpool at St Mary’s. The 31-year-old has averaged 2.5 saves per game and kept seven clean sheets in the league so far this term (Sofascore).
The ‘keeper had recently come under a little scrutiny following the six-game losing run, but Hasenhuttl insisted that the player retains his full backing and praised him for his performance in the draw with Chelsea at the weekend.
McCarthy’s current £50,000-a-week deal expires in the summer of 2022, and with Angus Gunn and Fraser Forster both facing uncertain futures, it could be a good move to tie down the 31-year-old first choice goalkeeper.
The Athletic outlined that the Saints have opened initial talks with the ‘keeper over a new contract which would see him extend his stay at St Mary’s, hopeful that talks will progress smoothly and that a deal can be agreed.
Southampton fans mixed over McCarthy contract talks
Some Southampton fans were pleased that the club are looking to tie McCarthy down to a new deal, while others believe that the Saints might need to focus their attentions on finding a new permanent number one in the summer.
