It is no secret that Russell Martin wants Ryan Fraser to return to Southampton this summer, but a move is proving far less straightforward than hoped.
Russell Martin has made a number of new additions to his Southampton squad already this summer, but has been keen to secure returns for some of the players that impressed whilst on loan last season.
That has seen both Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Flynn Downes make their loan deals permanent after the pair were pivotal to promotion to the Premier League.
Southampton have made five signings on top of those two, with Adam Lallana, Charlie Taylor, Ronnie Edwards, Nathan Wood and Yukinari Sugawara all arriving.
- READ MORE: What squad numbers Southampton’s seven new signings could wear amid Adam Lallana training hint
Martin now wants to wrap up a deal to secure Ryan Fraser‘s return to St Mary’s and the Saints have learned of a possible solution to the complicated deal.
Southampton could take Ryan Fraser on loan again this season
Fraser enjoyed something of a career revival whilst on loan at Southampton last season.
Martin was keen to get his former Scotland team-mate in, with his experience and quality meaning the Saints boss felt the winger could make an impact after being frozen out by Eddie Howe at Newcastle United.
With Martin and the player himself both frequently commenting on their desire to set up a reunion this summer, it appeared a deal would be pretty simple given Fraser clearly has no future at Newcastle.
However, that is not what has materialised, as discussions between Fraser and Newcastle regarding terminating his contract a season early to allow him to move to Southampton for free rumble on.
Now, Southampton could explore an alternative solution to ensure Fraser is at the club next season, with Chronicle Live reporting that: ‘The 30-year-old still has one year to run on his Newcastle deal, with Southampton yet to agree a fee with the Magpies for the former Scotland international’.
The report goes on to suggest that ‘another loan deal between the parties remains a possibility before Fraser then becomes a free agent in the summer of 2025’.
Fraser will be useful to Southampton in Premier League but more wingers needed
Fraser certainly made a difference last campaign, scoring eight and assisting three in all competitions.
He also showed his willingness to put the team above himself as he got through a remarkable amount of defensive work playing as a wing-back in the play-off final triumph over Leeds United.
His return is clearly high on Martin’s agenda this summer, but he cannot be the only winger who arrives.
Even with Fraser, Southampton will only have three natural senior wingers; Samuel Edozie and Kamaldeen Sulemana the others.
Adam Armstrong played as a winger for most of last season, but Sulemana could be sold meaning there is still a lack of options out wide.
A marquee winger signing is needed this summer to give Southampton’s attack a boost and, whilst Fraser is a decent player, he is certainly not that.