Southampton sign Irish fullback who had Premier League interest

One of the most sought-after Championship free agents has found a land spot. Republic of Ireland international Ryan Manning has signed a four-year contract with Southampton FC. Manning joins after a three-year stay at Swansea City.

Originally from Galway, Manning made his way over to England in 2015 when he joined then-Premier League Side Queens Park Rangers. The Irish defender did not play in the Premier League that season and made his QPR debut the following year in the Championship.

Ryan Manning to Southampton is perhaps one of the least surprising transfers in English football this summer. He is being reunited with his former manager at Swansea, Russell Martin, who has just joined Southampton this summer. While Southampton has yet to sell a fullback after relegation, there is an expectation that one or possibly two of Romain Perraud, Kyle Walker-Peters and Tino Livramento will leave.

Manning is arguably the best offensive-minded fullback in the Championship. He recorded five goals and ten assists last season for Swansea City under Russell Martin. In the official announcement from the club, Ryan spoke as to why he chose Southampton.

"“You’re coming to a Premier League football club that’s in the Championship, so the ambition is promotion and nothing else, and that’s exactly what I was looking for as the next move in my career.” [Source: Southampton FC website]"

Manager Russell Martin also commented on the signing, noting he is happy a deal was completed as Premier League clubs were interested in Manning.

"“We’ve beaten competition from two clubs in the Premier League for him, which I’m really pleased about, because I thought the lure of that would make it difficult for us, but he’s come here because he knows the work and he believes in it.” [Source: Southampton FC website]"

Ryan Manning is Southampton’s first senior team signing of the summer, with Derrick Abu and Josh McNamara signing up with the B team.