Southampton: Liverpool set for windfall if Saints sell Ings to Man City

Liverpool will be set for a financial windfall if Southampton choose to sell Danny Ings this summer, with Manchester City the latest club to be linked with the striker.

According to a report from Sky Sports yesterday, City see Ings as a potential replacement for Sergio Aguero and have identified him as an option should they not be able sign the likes of Erling Haaland or Romelu Lukaku.

Saints are likely to demand a fairly hefty fee for their main goalscorer even if he coming into the last year of his current contract at St Mary’s, and this is where a clause involving Liverpool comes into the equation.

Via the Liverpool Echo, the Reds hold a 20% sell-on clause after agreeing to sell Ings to Saints back in 2018 and this could be seen as very good business if their former player moves this coming summer.

How will Southampton deal with Ings situation?

Danny Ings has been revitalised since joining Saints and his return to consistent fitness and form has seen him plunder 42 goals in 92 appearances so far.

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He has proven himself to be one of the best finishers in the Premier League right now and has an enviable record of 51 goals in 133 top-flight games across spells at Liverpool, Burnley and now Saints.

Having performed so well at mid to lower-table clubs, he will be thinking about testing himself at the highest level once again after injuries disrupted his time with Liverpool. His representatives will also be looking for the best deal for him right now with his contract situation.

Saints have offered Ings a deal that would make him the highest-paid player at the club, but perhaps the player will be needing to see meaningful progress to commit to the future project under Ralph Hasenhuttl.

It is also important to note that clubs like Manchester City would prefer a player who has shown consistent form before moving to them. Their aim is to win every game they play, so they need a striker who hits the ground running and does not need time too much time to adjust.

Ings has struggled a bit this season and has not met the same standards as his 2019/20 campaign, whereas players such as a Haaland or Lukaku have seen their goals flowing more freely.

Agents will be playing their part in giving stories to the press and many more rumours about Ings are sure to surface in the next few months, but all options still remain open.

Saints may choose to sell to ensure good money for their prized asset, they could keep him for another season but risk losing him for free or he may be left with no choice but to sign his improved offer on the South Coast.