A player moving FROM Liverpool TO Southampton, and not the other way around? Yes, it actually happened, and it happened on summer transfer window deadline day 2018. Ings had been long linked with a move down to the south coast, but the switch didn’t get over the line until the very last minute.
News of the deal, which is a season long loan move that becomes a permanent transfer next summer, didn’t break until a couple hours after the window officially shut.
ย โThere was significant competition for Danny, with a lot of clubs keen to complete a deal for him, so weโre clearly delighted that he chose to join us,”ย Southampton manager Mark Hughes said.
โWe have admired him for some time now, not only for his ability, but also his character and personality, which we feel will be an ideal fit in our dressing room. Heโs obviously a local boy, who gives us another excellent option up front.”
โHe didnโt get to play as much as he would have liked at Liverpool, but he has been injury-free for some time now and has a real point to prove. Itโs a great boost for us on the eve of the season to bring another quality player into the squad, and weโre excited about what he can bring to the group.โ
The Danny Ings addition helps to salvage the summer transfer window for the south coast club, who badly needed a goal scorer. Saints came dangerously close to relegation last season, and another forward can help make sure they don’t find themselves in serious peril again this year.
Also, given Liverpool’s deep, crowded attack, the 26-year-old wasn’t going to see much time this season, so he found a great destination that should see him get a lot more minutes.
โIt is a very strange feeling saying goodbye to Danny. The biggest emotion is how much we will miss him,” said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp of the Winchester native who was with Anfield for three years.
โHe is such an outstanding boy. Honestly, if you could bottle character and spirit, his would sell worldwide – he is so incredibly positive and full of energy. But we wonโt just miss his character because he is a footballer who has all the tools.”
โWhat is clear is that in his time here he had zero luck really, certainly in my time.”
“Before joining I tried to watch as many games on tape as I could from the season so far and Danny Ings stood out as someone I was really looking forward to coaching.”
โWe all know his story and the bad luck he has had since then. Itโs why the other emotion is that of being pleased for Danny that he has such a good move and his future is now very bright.”
Danny Ings began his career with AFC Bournemouth, before moving to Burnley FC in 2011, where he made 130 appearances and scored 43 goals for the Clarets before making the move to the Merseyside in 2015.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, is currently a regular contributor to SB Nation, WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
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