Russell Martin isn’t only focused on bringing new players to Southampton before the transfer window closes; he also has to contend with the possibility of losing a key player. Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters has been the subject of intense transfer rumors this summer, largely because he’s now in the final year of his contract. The club is eager to avoid losing him for free next summer, a situation they faced this off-season when Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong left at the end of their contracts, leaving the Saints without any financial return.
Russell Martin reveals Southampton have offered Kyle Walker-Peters a new deal
West Ham United has shown the strongest interest in Kyle Walker-Peters this summer, with reports suggesting the defender has even indicated his willingness to join the Hammers. However, if West Ham completes the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, their pursuit of Walker-Peters is likely to wane.
Despite this, Southampton cannot be certain that Walker-Peters will remain with the club by the end of August, as Brighton may renew their interest, and Tottenham Hotspur could target him if they sell Emerson Royal to AC Milan.
Russell Martin gave Walker-Peters his first pre-season minutes against Getafe on Saturday to prepare him for Southampton’s Premier League opener against Newcastle United this weekend. Although Walker-Peters has been fit all summer, he hadn’t played due to ongoing speculation about his future. But with the season approaching, Martin needed to get him match-ready, as he is still a Southampton player.
In a recent interview with TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, Martin disclosed that Southampton has offered Walker-Peters a new contract, hoping he will commit his future to the club. Crook also mentioned on ‘X’ that Martin confirmed Southampton is not close to signing Ryan Fraser and is currently not pursuing a deal for Matt O’Riley.
Martin would love Walker-Peters to stay at Southampton this season
Walker-Peters played a crucial role in helping Southampton secure an immediate return to the Premier League last season. He was the only Southampton player named in the EFL Championship Team of the Season, consistently standing out as one of the best players in the league.
Capped twice by England, there’s no doubt that Walker-Peters is one of Southampton’s top talents, and many Premier League clubs would be eager to have him in their squad. Although Russell Martin hasn’t publicly pressured him to commit to the club, he will be keen to rely on Walker-Peters during what promises to be a challenging season.
Known for his dynamic runs down the flanks, Walker-Peters showcased his ability last November when he cut inside on his weaker left foot and scored a stunning goal against Bristol City, securing a 1-0 win. After the match, Martin praised him as a “beautiful footballer” and highlighted his potential to score and assist more, calling it a “brilliant, brilliant goal.”
As the transfer window draws to a close, Southampton will likely receive offers for Walker-Peters, but extending his contract would be a significant boost for the club.
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