Southampton: Saints close to confirming another big contract extension

Southampton are reportedly getting ever closer to reaching an agreement with talisman Danny Ings over a new long-term contract at St Mary’s.

According to a report from the Athletic’s David Ornstein, Saints are confident that the 28-year-old will sign a new deal and are currently negotiating the contract length and a potential release clause.

Getting the striker tied down to new terms would be a huge statement of intent from Saints and would signal how Ings sees things moving forward whilst working under Ralph Hasenhuttl.

An agreement being reached would see Ings join Hasenhuttl, James Ward-Prowse, Will Smallbone, Jake Vokins, Shane Long and Nathan Tella committing to the club in recent times.

Previous reports have also suggested that Ryan Bertrand and Jack Stephens may also be close to joining that list of names too.

From Ornstein’s report, it is clear to see that this situation is very positive for Saints and they look to have a tight bond with Ings having helped him to hit some of the best form in his career.

More from Saints Marching

• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
• It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
• Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

However, one issue needs to be carefully negotiated by those representing the club.

A release clause could be included in the terms that Ings signs and that could potentially be dangerous if it is not at the right value.

It has the be for an amount that will put potential suitors of the striker off. Saints can use his age to their advantage here with him being 30 in two years time.

If Ings can be released for an amount that can be easily paid out by a top-six club then there really is little point in a new contract at all because it only increases the chances of a player leaving eventually.

With 29 goals in all competitions since the start of the 2019/20 season, Ings’ importance to Saints cannot be understated.

His style of play also means that he is a perfect fit in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s system and gets plenty of opportunities to score – most of which he puts away with execution not seen at St Mary’s for a very long time.