Fraser Forster eyeing ‘big payday’ as manager reveals Southampton problem – pundit
In-form shot-stopper Fraser Forster is “looking for a big last payday” after running down his Southampton contract, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 34-year-old is proving “invaluable” to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side at present.
Forster, who produced a man of the match display in Southampton’s 1-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday (16 April), is out of contract at the end of the season.
As quoted by HampshireLive (19 April), Hasenhuttl claimed he is “sure” the club can find a “very good solution” for the shot-stopper.
According to The Athletic (22 February), Forster is currently earning £90,000-a-week.
Whelan suggested it would be a “big risk” for Southampton to increase that wage – considering his advancing years.
“It’s quite a predicament that Southampton are in now,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Can they afford to let someone who is in that sort of form leave the club? He’s invaluable to them at the moment.
“The problem is that he may be looking for that big last payday. Especially after letting his contract run down to this point.
“I’m pretty sure he would have ended up at Celtic if he wasn’t on such a big wage at Southampton.
“Increasing that wage even more is a big risk, especially at his age.”
Forster was named in Gareth Southgate’s most recent Three Lions squad and has gazumped Alex McCarthy in the pecking order at St. Mary’s.
The goalkeeper, who joined Southampton from Celtic in 2016, enjoyed a loan return at Parkhead during the 2019/20 season.
The two sides held talks over a permanent transfer but the goalkeeper’s salary proved a sticking point.
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