Southampton are getting closer to their second signing of the summer, with Ryan Fraser poised to join ahead of his Premier League return.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis, a 22-year-old centre-back, has already been confirmed as the first arrival, with his loan agreement becoming permanent once promotion is secured.
Ryan Fraser also spent last season on loan and was an essential member of the squad both on and off the field, as his experience and quality helped Southampton win promotion from the Championship play-offs.
The 30-year-old experienced a career renaissance on the south coast, with former Scotland teammate Russell Martin eager to offer the winger another chance to play regular games while also appreciating his potential influence.
Fraser has slid far down the pecking order at parent club Newcastle United since their acquisition, and it appears the Magpies may be about to aid a permanent transfer.
Southampton could sign Ryan Fraser for free
If it wasn’t difficult enough for Fraser to become a regular at Newcastle following the cash injection linked with their takeover, the fact that Eddie Howe became manager made the task nearly impossible.
That is because Fraser and Howe had a falling out during their time together at Bournemouth, with Fraser refusing to extend his contract to play the Covid-delayed matches in 2020 before leaving on free.
Howe also ordered Fraser to train with Newcastle’s under-21s, necessitating an exit, and Fraser has often indicated his wish to stay in Southampton permanently.
The player has apparently agreed to return to St Mary’s next season.
Now, it appears that Newcastle are set to make that much easier, with talkSPORT stating that: ‘Newcastle are ready to arrange a pay-off with Ryan Fraser to expedite the Scotland international’s move to Southampton.’
Fraser adds vital Premier League experience to Southampton
Given Fraser is clearly not in Newcastle’s plans, they appear to be eager to get rid of a player earning £60,000 per week just one year before his contract expires.
This is wonderful news for Southampton, as they should have a clear path to signing the man affectionately known as ‘Wee Man’ among his teammates.
While he may not be the most thrilling signing ahead of the club’s return to the top division, Fraser has a wealth of Premier League experience, having appeared in 173 games, scored 18 goals and assisting 31 others, according to Transfermarkt.
Any doubts about Fraser’s attitude following his dispute with Howe were quickly dispelled, as the Scotland international had an enormously positive influence on the group, with his tenacious displays at left wingback in the play-offs demonstrating his determination to work for the club.
Fraser had a visible impact on loan this season, scoring eight goals and providing three assists, and Martin will know he has a player he can rely on if Southampton sign him.
