Danny Ings has left Liverpool late in the transfer window, returning to the south coast to join Southampton on loan ahead of a £20 million permanent deal.
The striker was born in Winchester, and was brought through the youth ranks at Bournemouth, spending a month on loan with Dorset side Dorchester Town before leaving for Burnley in 2011.
After impressing on the Clarets’ promotion to the Premier League in 2014/15, Ings earned a move to Liverpool, who ultimately paid an initial £6.5 million after a tribunal.
But two serious knee injuries hampered his progress at Anfield, limiting him to just 25 appearances in three years.
Despite interest from Crystal Palace and Newcastle United, Liverpool were unable to seal a deal for Ings until the last hour of Thursday’s deadline.
Ings has now joined Southampton on a season-long loan, and will make a permanent return to his native Hampshire on July 1 next year.
Liverpool will receive £18 million up front, with a further £2 million in add-ons, and negotiated a 20 percent sell-on clause in their deal.
A tumultuous period on Merseyside has set Ings back significantly, having made his England debut shortly before his ACL injury in October of 2015.
But joining Mark Hughes’ Saints could give him the opportunity to revive his career, and a move back to familiar settings should be a welcome one.
Southampton already have Shane Long, Manolo Gabbiadini and Ings’ former Burnley team-mate Charlie Austin as options up front, but the 26-year-old can hope for a key role at St Mary’s.
He departs Liverpool with the reluctant blessing of Jurgen Klopp, with the manager aware his opportunities were limited.
All the best, Danny.
Fan Comments