Rickie Lambert joins Liverpool: Southampton issue a club statement addressing Lambert sale and Adam Lallana offers
Lambert completed his £4m plus add-ons move to Liverpool on Monday and the club have addressed concern among the fans that their best players could be snapped up this summer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Southampton have issued a statement following the sale of Rickie Lambert to Liverpool, in which they have confirmed that they will not partake in any further transfer business until a new manager is appointed.
Liverpool complete signing of Lambert
Reports have linked Dutchman Ronald Koeman with a move to replace the now-departed Mauricio Pochettino who left to take over at Tottenham last month. With no manager in place at the club, Liverpool have swooped to purchase Liverpool native Lambert for £4m plus add-ons, and could still complete a £25m transfer of follow England international Adam Lallana.
Having seen a number of their players linked with a St Mary’s exit this summer – which also includes defenders Calum Chambers and Luke Shaw and midfielder Morgan Schniederlin, the south coast club have issued a statement explaining their transfer policy for the short-term future.
The club have attempted to calm fears that the squad was being depleted of its best talent, with a number of players expected to move on to clubs competing in the Champions League much like Lambert.
The statement which was posted on the club website http://www.saintsfc.co.uk read: “The Club has issued the following statement in relation to interest in a number of its players and the departure of Rickie Lambert…
“Southampton Football Club can confirm that we have received multiple offers for some of our players in the past weeks. This is a confirmation of the depth of the development that is ongoing in our academy and of the present standing of our first team within the Premier League.
“We are staying true to our plan and vision and, as a result, we have no need to accept any offers. We are deep in the process of appointing a new manager who will continue to move our club forward. It remains our preference not to partake in any transfers until the new manager is in place. Our scouting & recruitment department continues to monitor targets we have identified to improve our squad, and the new manager will have final input into our recruitment process.
“However, Southampton Football Club can confirm that it has reached agreement with Liverpool for the transfer of Rickie Lambert.”
The statement went on to explain that there will always be situations were selling a player will be the best thing for all parties, and that the club could not stand in the way of Lambert and his “dream move” back to his boyhood club.
“There may be circumstances under which the club will feel it is right for a player to move on,” it continued. “Those circumstances have to be right for the club and the player. This is the case with Rickie’s move to Liverpool.
“When Rickie Lambert requested to leave for Liverpool, the club felt it could not stand in the way of having him fulfil his boyhood dream of playing at home. It will be a big challenge to replace him and our intention is to source a quality replacement who will fill his shoes now but also for many years to come.”
Chairman Ralph Krueger passed on his thanks to Lambert for his service to the club since Saints were in League One four years ago.
He said: “On behalf of the club, I would like to thank Rickie. He served with distinction and helped to take Saints from League 1 to the Premier League.
“Rickie has been a shining light in Saints’ growth and will forever remain an icon in the history of the club. He leaves with the best wishes of everyone at Southampton and will always be welcome back at St Mary’s.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments