Ryan Manning had the best season of his Southampton career by some distance. In a season that started badly and ended in disaster for the club, Manning accumulated eight goals and six assists from his 43 appearances.
His goals last season were often spectacular. From crashing in a header into the net off the underside of the crossbar at Charlton, to opening the season with a spectacular free kick against Wrexham at St Mary's, 'Rhino' has certainly caught the eye.
But Manning turns 31 in June 2027. His contract runs until the same month. And Southampton already have a left-back on the books earning exactly the same wages, with three years left on his deal.
Despite calls for a contract extension from online media outlets, those with a realistic mindset and a better knowledge of the club would perhaps counter that argument.
Sometimes the right call and the popular call are not the same thing.
The Welington factor
Welington earns £15,000 per week according to Capology; Manning earns £15,000 per week according to the same source.
Southampton are not going to pay two left-backs £15,000 a week, especially if they are starting 2027/28 in the Championship. That is not how a club with growing financial pressures, a four-point deduction and a squad in transition operates.
Welington has three years left on his contract. He is 25. He has pace, technical ability and Brazilian under-23 international experience. His season was derailed by three separate injuries, and he made just 12 appearances. But his talent was never in question.
If Manning gets a new deal, what happens to Welington? Does he return to Brazil, as multiple clubs from his homeland are reportedly interested? Does Southampton carry two left-backs at identical wages when every penny matters heading into 2026-27?
Rhino was brilliant this season. He deserves enormous credit. But brilliant last season does not automatically mean he will start next season.
Defensively, Manning lacks pace but usually gets himself out of trouble by throwing himself to the floor. Welington, on the other hand, is quick and reads the game far better. Wellington's interceptions-per-90 stat (1.35) is a good indicator of that. Manning, by comparison, is 1.09.
One more season for Manning will be enough
The age gap is five years. The wages are identical.
Keeping Manning for one more season should be enough to determine if a new contract is offered beyond 2027. In all probability, though, promotion would work against Manning, who would not cut it in the Premier League again.
Southampton start next season on minus four points with a squad that needs investment in multiple positions.
Letting Manning's contract run down and redirecting those wages into a more pressing area of the squad is not disloyal. It is prudent.
Rhino gave Southampton everything last season. The supporters love him for it. But sometimes the best way to honour a player's contribution is to let them leave at the right moment rather than one season too late. Cashing in now is still a decent option.
Southampton could give him another season, then give him a proper send-off if the club are promoted and let Johannes Spors decide what happens at left-back next.
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