Hasenhuttl believes he knows the reason behind Man City target Ings’ poor form

Paul Macdonald

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:42 CDT
• 2 min read

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl thinks Danny Ings’ uncertain contract situation could be affecting his form on the pitch.

Ings has been heavily linked with moves to Manchester City and Tottenham in recent weeks and is fast approaching the end of his contract with the south coast club.

The 28-year-old, who only has 18 months left to run on his current deal with the St. Mary’s outfit, has scored just once in eight league games – with the Saints taking a single point in that spell.

“I speak sometimes with him about this, and I can imagine that you get more pressure when you are not committing to one way, our way for example,” Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo.

“He has his reasons why he doesn’t do it, and that gives himself a little bit of pressure maybe – but I think he is experienced enough to handle this.”

The England international will be hoping to earn a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad at the end of the season for the delayed European Championships, although he’ll have to improve his form for that to happen.

Ings hit the ground running at the start of the campaign, bagging five goals in Southampton’s opening seven Premier League fixtures. However, the goals have been much harder to come by in recent weeks.

Could Ings move to Man City or Tottenham this summer?

It’s no secret that City and Spurs are in need of a new striker and are likely to make a move for one over the summer. Sergio Aguero’s contract at the Etihad Stadium is set to expire at the end of the season, while Carlos Vinicius’ loan spell in north London is unlikely to be extended.

Ings may feel as though he has unfinished business at one of England’s top teams after his three-year spell at Liverpool was blighted by several serious injuries.

He’s managed to reignite his career with the Saints, though, scoring a brilliant 25 goals in all competitions for Hasenhuttl’s side last season. Whether he decides to settle for being the star man on the south coast or chase Champions League football will ultimately decide where he ends up at the start of the 2021/22 campaign, but the Englishman is unlikely to be short of options.