Southampton are reportedly keeping a keen eye on Manchester United starlet James Garner going into the 2022 summer transfer window.
According to The Athletic, Premier League side Southampton are interested in making a summer move for Manchester United starlet James Garner as they bid to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The Saints have enjoyed their ups and downs under Ralph Hasenhuttl but have largely failed to challenge for European spots. It is fair to say that Southampton could do with an infusion of quality that will also give them strength in depth.
The 21-year-old came through the ranks at Old Trafford, going on to make seven appearances for the Red Devils’ senior side. Garner has spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan from Manchester United at EFL Championship side Nottingham Forest and has played a major role in what could end up to be a special season for them.
Garner has made 41 Championship appearances for Forest, scoring four goals and assisting eight more. Steve Cooper’s side have qualified for the Championship Promotion Play-offs final against Huddersfield Town and are one magical night at Wembley away from qualifying for next season’s Premier League.
Garner, for his part, is set to return to Old Trafford this summer. While he could get an opportunity to impress new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, he might be moved out on loan once again in the summer. Southampton appear keen to take advantage of such an opening and land the 21-year-old’s services.
The Saints lack many options in central midfield and could offer Garner more game-time in the top flight in comparison to Manchester United. Hasenhuttl already has James Ward-Prowse and Oriol Romeu to choose from and could use the Manchester United midfield prospect in tandem with them.
The Red Devils are linked with the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Ruben Neves as the ten Hag era looks set to begin with a bang. Bringing in midfielders will only make Garner’s life difficult at Manchester United and add more barriers to his ambitions of playing regular first-team football.
Having made a name for himself in the Championship, it makes sense for the youngster to take the next step in his development. Southampton will give him an excellent chance of doing just that in the Premier League. Hasenhuttl is no stranger to developing young players, and Garner could also gain immensely from the Austrian should he move to St. Mary’s.
