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Saints Need To Sign Up Ex Chelsea Duo To New Deals
Monday, 26th Oct 2020 22:07

Two mainstays of the past half a decade or so at St Mary's have been signed from Chelsea at a bargain price, now both are in the last year of their current deals and after great starts to the season it is time to reward them.

Ryan Bertrand arrived at St Mary's in the summer of 2014 replacing Luke Shaw initially on a loan deal made permanent in January 2015, now with 169 Premier League appearances to his name, only 1 as sub and another 17 games in cup competitions, the £10 million we paid for Ryan Bertrand proved to be an absolute bargain and when we look at it in context with the money we got from Manchester United for Luke Shaw it is obvious that we got the best end of that deal.

Likewise Oriol Romeu, he arrived a year later in July 2015 for only £5 million and for the price has to be one of the best signings of the past 5 years, in the Premier League he has started 137 games with 28 as sub, plus another 31 in the cups he has actually played more games than, Bertrand overall. He was player of the year in 2016/17 and has been a great servant.

The imminent departure of Pierre Emile Hojbjerg opened up a new opportunity in the summer restart and he has continued his good form this season, arguably being the most consistent player so far.

But both are in the final year of their contract and could leave for nothing in the summer.

I would hope that they would be offered a new deal sooner than later, rumours have been doing the rounds but so far there has been nothing contract.

At 31 Bertrand has a couple of good seasons left in him and Romeu having just turned 29 perhaps 3.

The truth is that we would have to pay a lot more next summer to replace them, so it would be good to see them signed up now so we can concentrate on other areas next summer in the transfer market.


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SanMarco added 22:17 - Oct 26
I certainly agree with that. Two good players who would cost millions to replace like-for-like.

I saw the first 'Ralph wanted by Manure' rumour today...
3

A1079 added 22:53 - Oct 26
Agree totally Nick. It would be a no-brainer to extend these 2 players time at Saints.
3

SaintPaulVW added 08:27 - Oct 27
Unless either are looking for a last big payday somewhere, hopefully we can get this done.
1

SaintNick added 08:46 - Oct 27
I think my work here is done lol It is the first time the first three comments to a story have actually agreed with me
3

highfield49 added 08:59 - Oct 27
I'll add my agreement to the above positives as well. Both have been instrumental in stabilising the team over the last twelve months and have still got a lot to offer. Romeu is probably playing better than ever and is highly regarded for his professionalism in training and lifestyle. RB was clearly disappointed by his exclusion from the England squad, when he was clearly a better player than those favoured by Southgate, but he has got on with the job and can offer huge experience and benefit of advice to younger players. Sign them both up asap.
2

davepid added 09:12 - Oct 27
Nick, yes it might be a record - three agreements in a row. But your real task is to do the same with a piece on centre backs! Good luck,
2

SonicBoom added 09:13 - Oct 27
If a club wants to keep a player they usually don't allow them to get into the last year of their contract. Seems odd that both are in this situation and both could speak to other clubs in January which isn't far away.
0

A1079 added 10:18 - Oct 27
Is it your first Hat-trick then Nick?

Just because I don't always agree with everything you write, I can assure you that I appreciate the work that you do for this site and I have found it invaluable in many ways - some less obvious than others - quite alot I am on my own and occasionally it has been the difference from feeling completely fed up and having a forum to spout my largely pointless views and comments, so thank you.
4

underweststand added 10:20 - Oct 27
.." the right blend of youth and experience " ..the byword of former manager Ted Bates.
as did his successor Lawrie McMenemy. Although Ralph has repeatedly cited his preference of seeing younger players coming into the squad, he hasn't missed the obvious advantage of keeping the experienced "mature" players at the club to cement the team whilst helping them to coach the up-and-coming youngsters.
Shane Long may not get much game time in his recently extended contract, but few fans would complain at seeing him come off the bench when in serious need and he must surely encourage the Irish-qualified youngsters at the club.

Although rarely MoM , Ryan Bertrand puts in a good shift every game, and at present it would be hard to replace him from within the club. One might argue that Romeu is now playing some of his best football - even at 29. Quite a few strikers might have envied his recent goal v. West.Brom, and a lesser keeper than Pickford might not have stopped his 30 yard rocket in Sunday's game.
As A1079 wrote above ..keeping them on the books is surely a no-brainer, not just based on past and current performances, but being able to encourage the new young bloods longing to get some game time.
Although Theo Walcott is only presently on loan, he is out of contract next summer, and a good showing this season might well see us signing him without the need of forking out a £20 million plus fee for some unknown talent from goodness knows where.
." Get them signed up for a bit longer Ralph ..the right blend of youth ...and experience".
1

Chesham_Saint added 10:54 - Oct 27
Agree with all of that. Who could we realistically get if they were to leave and at what cost? Plus they have shown great attitude to both playing and the club which is increasingly rare these days.
1


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