Southampton boss Russell Martin has been discussing Ryan Fraser’s future after returning to Newcastle following a loan spell on the South Coast, hinting that wages could be an issue.
It was suggested in early June that the Scot was close to sealing a permanent move to St Mary’s, but it seems the situation is slightly more complex than we initially realised and that his current deal at Newcastle may be causing problems for the Saints.
Martin states that all parties would like the “Wee Man” to return following Southampton’s promotion, but admits he’s on a “good contract” at Newcastle and accepts the club may have to look elsewhere if a resolution isn’t found soon. Are they asking for Newcastle to pay him off so he can sign on a free, you wonder? Or is he refusing to leave the salary – of a reported £60,000-per-week – on Tyneside if he’ll have to accept considerably less down South?
Speaking to the Daily Echo, Martin said: “I think we’re all hopeful that at some point that will happen. But he’s contracted to Newcastle. I think he would love to come back and we would love to keep him.
“Everyone wants him: Me, the fans, the owners, the players and the staff – Wee Man himself, but he is under contract at another club and a good contract. It’s their (Newcastle) prerogative to do what they want with him at the moment and unfortunately for us and for Wee Man, it’s not what we want.
“So much of football is about timing and there might come a time where it’s no longer viable for us or an option. We have to be looking at other people as well.”
Sigh! The previous owners tatty decisions persist.
You can’t blame Fraser for holding nufc to account for his contract.
That said I’m not buying the implication that nufc are holding him back as I’m sure the club would be happy to see him move on.
I Suspect however, he’ll be a nufc player on loan again until 2025.
Jonesy(Quote)
he has 48 weeks left on his contract. he has a TM value of £3m.
They buy him from us for £3m and pay him £30k pw,
We give him a lump sum of £1.5 m (£30kpw for 48 weeks.)
He’s off the books, we get a small profit. Win-win all round
PremAndUp(Quote)
If he (fraser) wants a move then he should be prepared to take a reduction in his wages if not rot in the reserves till your contract runs down
Dave(Quote)
This.
Even if we just broke even and charged them what it’d cost us.
At a certain point, if we’re going to be stuck paying the wages either way, just let him go for free, pay him the near £1.5m and take the loss. It’s better than losing nearer £3m on his wages over the season and having him sulking around the place.
Ian(Quote)
nfc bought him when they where fighting relegation. That and postponing fixtures they never should have bee allowed to kept them up. The value is immeasurable
David Hollinshead(Quote)
With a lot of players and agents it’s all about the money, football comes a distant second.
Joseph(Quote)
Money grabbing little turd let him rot in reserves never been premier level. Wouldn’t understand loyalty or gratitude.
Graeme Robins(Quote)
Keep him
I hope he stays at Newcastle cashing his pay cheque.
Pay him off and saints will have him
If not he’s 30 years old.crqcknon lofty
Stù(Quote)
Just wondering – Would you be willing to take a pay drop of quarter of a million quid a year?
BykerBill(Quote)
Anybody else remember when Ashley arrived on the scene and started dishing out 6 year contracts right left and centre, and we were all saying how brilliant it was because that was the only way to develop a stable squad, giving the managers and team the security they needed?
Oh what very short, selective memories we fans have.
BykerBill(Quote)