Former England goalkeeper has been linked with a move to Southampton.
Southampton are reportedly looking at signing Joe Hart this summer as they try to turn things back around at St. Mary’s.
It’s a move that’s a slight risk for the Saints, considering Hart’s struggles over the last couple of seasons – but it could also be exactly what both parties need.
An opening on the south coast will likely as Fraser Forster looks set to leave Southampton after losing his place to Alex McCarthy, and while McCarthy has performed well, he has only managed two seasons as an established number one throughout his decade-long career – neither of which were in the Premier League.
And so the prospect of a goalkeeper as experienced as Hart is one that Southampton won’t want to pass up – especially if they can get him back to his best. Hart will have accepted the necessity to move away from Manchester City, likely taking a pay cut in the process, with City also knowing that their negotiating position won’t be as strong as it was, given Hart’s poor form. He will therefore likely become available at a reasonable price.
There may be no better place for Hart to re-establish himself than at St. Mary’s given the wonderful record of developing players there. Their reputation as a selling club may not be one to admire, but they’ve earned that for a reason; Southampton frequently take chances on players from lesser leagues, giving them opportunities to improve their stock.
And on top of that, goalkeeping coach Dave Watson works at Southampton – a coach Hart worked with at England and once tried to bring to Manchester City.
West Ham may have been a bit chaotic for Hart, but there are few better places to turn things around than at Southampton.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
