---
title: "Southampton fans react to reported contract talks with Alex McCarthy"
canonical: "https://readsouthampton.com/2021/02/23/southampton-fans-alex-mccarthy-contract-talks/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "jrushworth"
section: "News"
published: "2021-02-23T15:30:00Z"
modified: "2021-02-23T15:30:00Z"
---

# Southampton fans react to reported contract talks with Alex McCarthy

A number of [Southampton](https://readsouthampton.com/2021/02/23/southampton-predicted-xi-leeds-united-away/) supporters have been reacting to a report from [The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/news/southampton-alex-mccarthy-contract/7dF7a1wdario) that the Saints are in talks with [Alex McCarthy](https://readsouthampton.com/2021/02/22/southampton-alex-mccarthy-new-deal-talks-underway/) 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](https://www.sofascore.com/player/alex-mccarthy/45502)).

The ‘keeper had recently [come under a little scrutiny following the six-game losing run](https://www.hampshirelive.news/sport/football/football-news/ralph-hasenhuttl-trust-struggling-southampton-5027903), but Hasenhuttl [insisted that the player retains his full backing](https://www.hampshirelive.news/sport/football/football-news/ralph-hasenhuttl-trust-struggling-southampton-5027903) 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](https://www.spotrac.com/epl/southampton-fc/alex-mccarthy-22950/), and with [Angus Gunn](https://www.hampshirelive.news/sport/football/football-news/angus-gunn-southampton-future-stoke-4622204) and [Fraser Forster](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ex-newcastle-goalkeeper-fraser-forster-19777300) both facing uncertain futures, it could be a good move to tie down the 31-year-old first choice goalkeeper.

[The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/news/southampton-alex-mccarthy-contract/7dF7a1wdario) 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.

> Very good to hear, for most games he's quality, he's obviously not perfect and does make mistakes, but we've got other areas to prioritise this summer over looking for a new keeper.
>
> — Ed (@EddySFC) [February 22, 2021](https://twitter.com/EddySFC/status/1363834851259011075?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Fine if he’s going to be second choice and an upgrade signed in the summer. Guessing Forster must be off then?
>
> — Chris (@cj\_garrett) [February 22, 2021](https://twitter.com/cj_garrett/status/1363844861665886208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Surely that means they are increasingly confident Forster will agree a move away this summer? With one year left on his deal
>
> — Monkou’s Pancakes (@monkouspancakes) [February 22, 2021](https://twitter.com/monkouspancakes/status/1363767507304218627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Great on his day, but his day isn’t as often as it should be
>
> — FH⚡️ (@freddieh\_7) [February 22, 2021](https://twitter.com/freddieh_7/status/1363831438009901061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

https://twitter.com/RedArmySfc/status/1363784776554004481?s=19

> Since Ralph has come in he has used all 3 keepers and all 3 keepers have been dropped at some point and now one of them is on loan in the championship we need a new goalkeeper
>
> — Josh 🇷🇸 (@JoshSFC13578) [February 22, 2021](https://twitter.com/JoshSFC13578/status/1363787412179148802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

https://twitter.com/AndyAldworth81/status/1363831258023948289