Ryan Manning has told Southampton’s website that he chose to join The Saints because of the club’s aspirations to gain an instant return to the Premier League, and to form a reunion with Russell Martin – picking them over Leeds.
Manning, 27, has been strongly linked with a move to Leeds United ever since the Ireland star’s Swansea deal came to an end. He won Swansea’s Player of the Season award after having a hand in 15 goals from the left of defence.
FLW said Leeds wanted Manning. Then, Phil Hay added in his transfer column with The Athletic that he was on the Leeds radar. But, with the 49ers takeover still requiring EFL ratification, Leeds are yet to make any summer signings.
However, on Tuesday it was announced Manning had penned a four-year deal – not at Leeds, but with The Saints as Martin looks to guide his new side back to the Premier League. Manning says promotion and Martin tempted him.
“Knowing the gaffer’s style of football, how he wants to play, it felt like a perfect fit for me where the club and the manager lined up. You’re coming to a Premier League club that’s in the Championship, so the ambition is promotion.
“Nothing else. That’s exactly what I was looking for as the next move in my career. It’s the perfect club to come to, the ambition is massive and everyone is working towards getting back to the Premier League,” Manning said.
Ryan Manning explains why he chose Southampton over move to Leeds
While Southampton and Leeds will both be in the mix to gain promotion at the first attempt from the Championship, the Saints have just hired his old manager. You might have argued that Leeds are a much bigger club than them.
However, the chance to reunite and know how Martin works has clearly appealed to Manning – after the worked in perfect tandem at Swansea last season. So, Southampton were always going to be ahead of Leeds in the chase.
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