According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Danny Ings has rejected Southampton’s offer of a new four-year deal which would make him the highest paid Saints player of all time. The forward wants one last shot at the top in the Premier League having been plagued with injuries at Liverpool. His potential exit has been rumoured for some time with Southampton stagnating under Ralph Hasenhuttl.
The news leaves the Saints with a significant decisions to make. Do they cash in this summer? Or do they lose Danny Ings on a free deal next summer? Ings, himself, will want to leave as soon as possible considering his age and injury history. In fact, for the first time in a long time, the forward was fit and firing throughout the majority of a season, undoubtedly placing him on several radars.
Danny Ings Rejects Southampton Contract
A Decision Not Made on Money
It is clear from the contract offer alone that Ings has not made this decision based on a lack of money. He was reportedly offered the chance to become the highest paid player in Southampton history. Yet, still, the offer was rejected. Ambition has become the deciding factor; ambition to have one last shot at European football. At times last season, Southampton looked in a position to offer that, but another 9-0 loss later and it became clear that they simply didn’t have the resources necessary.
With Harry Kane potentially leaving Tottenham Hotspur this summer, too, now could be the perfect time for Ings to make the switch to North London. Whether new manager Nuno Espírito Santo would be able to make the move happen is another question that may need answering. The forward may even come at a cut piece when considering his deal runs out next summer. It may be a case of, either accept the fee or receive no money at all in a years’ time.
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