WHILE Danny Ings didn’t quite reach the heights of his 2019/20 goals tally (22) last term due to an injury which ultimately cost him a place in England’s Euro 2020 squad, the 28-year-old’s performances still underlined his standing as one of the best, most accomplished goalscorers in the Premier League right now.
Having failed to make an impact at Liverpool earlier in his career, Ings now seemingly wants another shot at an elite level club, with the Southampton striker reportedly rejecting the offer of a new contract this summer. This has led to much speculation about the future of the England international.
With a number of Premier League clubs believed to be in the market for a new centre forward this summer, Ings has his admirers. But which club would be the best fit the 28-year-old at this stage of his career?
Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel is reportedly desperate to add a natural goalscorer to his frontline this summer with Erling Haaland and Harry Kane both linked with Chelsea. However, the Stamford Bridge club might have to wait to sign either of these top targets, which could lead the Blues to turn their focus to Ings, who would cost a lot less.
With Timo Werner on the left and Christian Pulisic on the right, Ings’ capacity as a counter-attacking forward would be tested, but he would certainly be on the end of a lot of goalscoring opportunities. If Ings ends up at Chelsea, he might have to accept his role as a stop-gap solution until a more illustrious option (like Haaland or Kane) becomes available.
Danny Ings is still in his 20s and has 12 months left on his contract.
Scored 22 Premier League goals for a side that creates LESS chances than Chelsea.
Maybe he would cost £20m? (Price of Guehi sale).
Could lead the line for Chelsea for 1 season then be an excellent number 2. pic.twitter.com/7IMxSnju54
— Yannick (@ChelseaYannick) July 19, 2021
Manchester City
Much like Chelsea, Manchester City are in the market for a new centre forward with Haaland and Kane in particular on their radar. The Premier League champions have the resources to fund a mega-money move for the Spurs striker, but the signing of Ings could be a way for Pep Guardiola, believed to be a fan of the Southampton frontman, to bridge the gap until Kane’s arrival at a future date.
With Sergio Aguero now a Barcelona player and Gabriel Jesus yet to truly earn the trust of Guardiola, Ings could receive a lot of first team football as a Manchester City player this season.
DANNY INGS NEXT CLUB
Manchester United
Manchester United have already made waves in the transfer market this summer with Jadon Sancho all but signed and Raphael Varane also reportedly close to joining Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. However, United could still make a move for Ings to broaden their options in the centre forward position where they are somewhat light.
Some reports claim Ings views a switch to Old Trafford as a “dream” move, but it’s unlikely the 28-year-old would be a first team figure for United with Edinson Cavani almost certain to be ahead of him in the pecking order. Like Chelsea and City, United are reportedly interested in Haaland and Kane, so Ings might also only be a stop-gap signing at Old Trafford – a higher calibre Odion Ighalo.
Tottenham Hotspur
While Chelsea, City, Spurs and United might see Ings as a stop-gap solution, Tottenham Hotspur could use the 28-year-old to accelerate their rebuild under Nuno Espirito Santo who is reportedly looking for a striker to play alongside Kane in a 3-5-2 system. Ings could be Spurs’ marquee addition in the summer window.
Of course, Ings wouldn’t play in the Champions League this season as a Tottenham player, but he could be a key factor in the North London club’s recovery. The 28-year-old would also surely be attracted by the prospect of forging a partnership with Kane – this could also help Ings force his way back into the England set-up.
ALL SOUTHAMPTON SPECIALS
