Southampton will look to make Ryan Fraser’s loan deal permanent at the end of the season, according to reports.
The winger moved to the St. Mary’s Stadium during the summer on loan, having made merely eight appearances for Newcastle United’s first-team last season under Eddie Howe.
On the south coast, the Scotland international has featured more than the entirety of last season, playing 13 times so far under Russell Martin and scoring two goals, including the winning goal in a 1-0 victory away at Millwall two weeks ago.
Back in March, the winger fell out with Howe, whom he played under for a number of years at Bournemouth. The Scot was even sent to train with the U23s, having been banned from all first-team duties.
Newcastle’s head coach revealed publicly that he had no issue with Fraser in the aftermath of the fallout, but insisted there was no way for the player to return to the squad. As such, Fraser was sent out on loan to recently relegated Southampton.
Fraser has found his form once more with the Saints and journalist Dean Jones believes that a permanent deal will be completed for the attacker who is on £42k per week. Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said:
“I think if Southampton get the chance to sign Ryan Fraser then it’s something that they will be jumping at if he continues to be like this. Not just a player, but the character that he’s shown and the personality.
“Southampton were crying out for identity this season and they want to see a team that is playing a certain way but also has characters within it that match who they are and what they’ve been in the past.
“Ryan Fraser obviously had to make a big decision in terms of moving down to the Championship and he didn’t want to commit himself to being at that level, but I think he’s seeing signs that Southampton won’t be at that level very long and that they can get out of it.
“And I think, yeah, Southampton will definitely want to sign Ryan Fraser permanently. It’s just a case of proving to him that this is the place for him to be.”
Writer’s View
Fraser’s contract expires at the end of the season, meaning Southampton can sign him for free in the summer which is certainly ideal from a financial perspective.
This deal is a win-win for all parties. Fraser moved to Newcastle United for free back in 2020 so the Magpies won’t be making a loss on the player, while the Saints are signing a quality winger for nothing.
Deputy Head of Writing
