Sanjay Nair believes that Danny Ings would be foolish to move to Southampton as he looks to leave Liverpool this summer to play football more regularly.
Of all the transfer rumors surrounding Liverpool Football Club, the latest involving Danny Ings is the one that makes least sense – more so for the player involved.
Having returned from lengthy injury layoffs, Ings finally got that much-coveted first league goal for Liverpool late into the 2017/2018 season. A momentous occasion for both player and club, not to mention the fans who love him, a huge weight seemed to have lifted off his shoulders.
Every player worth his salt aspires to play every week to prove his capabilities and Ings will be no different, especially since he has played so little since joining Liverpool.
At the age of 25, he would also be looking to gain an entry into the England setup for the 2020 Euros and possibly the 2022 World Cup. Keeping these factors in mind, the desire for more first-team football is only understandable and no one will begrudge a request to leave for another club.
However, Southampton as a choice would seem baffling for the simple reason that he would be lower in the pecking order than at Liverpool. Charlie Austin, Shane Long and Manolo Gabbiadini have been around for a while and it is difficult to imagine Mark Hughes preferring Ings over these established players.
There haven’t been any rumors around impending departures of any of those three as yet, which makes the situation even more intriguing. With Hughes sure to be in rebuilding mode, there could be a definite air of uncertainty around the club too.
Compare that to his future at Liverpool where, providing he stays injury-free, Ings seems more in Klopp’s plans as the first-choice cover for Roberto Firmino than the rest. This should ideally be ample motivation for him to stay and establish himself as a good squad player.
A good season under Klopp, who has made good progress with the team, will definitely improve his abilities more than a potential move to Southampton, no doubt. With Klopp & Liverpool not being in the market for a new striker, there will always be ample opportunities for the likes of Ings, Solanke and perhaps Sturridge considering there are 4 competitions to fight in.
However, if a move away from Anfield is at the top of his list, then perhaps a move to one of the promoted clubs seeking a player with Premier League experience would be a better option. He would be adding more value to his new employers too, in terms of his knowledge at the highest level.
Perhaps next summer will be more beneficial for Ings to secure a good move elsewhere. In the worst case scenario, he can always rethink his priorities around the January transfer window.
All the same, let’s hope this nice bloke sorts out his future at the earliest opportunity and starts banging in the long-overdue goals.
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