According to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay, at least one of Southampton’s three senior goalkeepers will leave the club this summer.
The Lowdown: Goalkeepers out of contract
Fraser Forster has played every minute for the Saints since coming back into the side in December as a result of Alex McCarthy picking up a long-term thigh injury,
However, he could now be on the move following news that the club are reportedly committed to keeping McCarthy as their first-choice shot-stopper, having only put pen to paper on a new deal at St Mary’s at the end of last season.
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Willy Caballero’s time could also be coming to an end under Ralph Hasenhuttl following a lack of game-time, with the 40-year-old having made just four appearances since joining the Saints.
All but McCarthy will be out of contract in June, and Barclay has suggested that at least one of them will be on the move over the summer.
The Latest: Saints likely to let one leave
When asked how he believes Southampton’s transfer business will pan out, Barclay told GiveMeSport:
“I’m not sure about a rebuild, because there’s a lot of good stuff being done, but adding a few and letting a few go would help. When you look at it, the goalkeepers, at least one of them will go.”
The Verdict: Johnstone an ideal replacement
While there seems little doubt that McCarthy will be in control of the gloves at the start of next season, Hasenhuttl will need to sign a suitable replacement should one of the existing goalkeeping trio depart, and that person could be West Brom’s Sam Johnstone.
The 29-year-old is set to become a free agent in the summer following the expiry of his contract with the Baggies, and it has been reported by the Daily Mail that the Saints are said to be interested in his services.
Johnstone has kept 15 clean sheets for the Championship outfit this season and has previous top-flight experience having been in the Premier League with Albion last term, so a possible move to a mid-table team like Southampton could have the potential to revive his career for both club and country.
In other news… the Saints have joined the transfer race for this ‘big player
