News

Southampton: Club interested in Ollie Watkins

|
Image for Southampton: Club interested in Ollie Watkins

Premier League side Southampton are reportedly keeping tabs on the development of Brentford striker Ollie Watkins.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein recently wrote about Watkins and revealed that the Saints are one of the clubs who have had an eye on the striker’s situation at Brentford. The journalist also mentions interest from Crystal Palace, while sharing that Athletic colleague Dominic Fifield believes that Watkins’ current contract has a buy-out option.

1 of 15

Who scored Southampton's first goal of the season?

The article says that it remains to be seen if Watkins would be willing to leave Brentford, if they earn promotion to the top flight for the first time since 1947.

Ornstein also revealed that there are suggestions that Watkins’ buy-out clause could be triggered for as little as £18 million.

Could Watkins be a potential Danny Ings replacement?

No, Ings will stay

No, Ings will stay

I'd love that

I'd love that

The 24-year-old forward has been in impressive form for the west London club this season, having found the back of the net 23 times in 41 Championship games (via WhoScored).

TIF Thoughts…

Southampton currently have four strikers in their ranks – Danny Ings, Che Adams, Michael Obafemi and Shane Long. This season, Ings has found the net 18 times in the league, while Adams recently scored his first Premier League goal against Manchester City. Long, on the other hand, recently signed a new deal at the club.

So clearly, things are looking up for that group of strikers and at 20, Obafemi has potential to improve, too. So adding another striker to the ranks may not make too much sense for Southampton. Watkins certainly has had a very good season, but it may be better for his career if he joins a club that will give him first-team football. The Saints’ wealth of strikers suggests he might not get that at St. Mary’s.

Share this article

European Football Writer. Contributed for FootballItalia, Manchester United, Manchester Evening News, Calciomercato, GFFN and more.