Sport Republic 'had to do something' - Southampton reaction given to big transfer breakthrough | OneFootball

FLW's Southampton fan pundit has given his reaction to reports that the club are set to re-sign goalkeeper Daniel Peretz from Bayern Munich.

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Southampton are preparing for another season in the Championship after being kicked out of the play-off final due to the 'spygate' scandal.

Southampton went unbeaten in their final 19 games of the regular season to secure a fourth-placed finish in the Championship, and they booked their place in the play-off final with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Middlesbrough in their semi-final tie.

However, the Saints were expelled from the Wembley showpiece and handed a four-point deduction for next season after they admitted to observing Boro's training session in the build-up to the first leg at the Riverside Stadium, as well as spying on Oxford United and Ipswich Town earlier in the campaign.

While he may still face a ban as the FA continue their investigation, Southampton owner Dragan Solak confirmed that head coach Tonda Eckert retains his full support this week, and as they look to move on from the saga, it seems the club could be set to get their summer transfer business underway.

According to the Southern Daily Echo, the Saints are in "advanced talks" to sign Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz on a permanent basis after he spent the second half of last season on loan at St Mary's.

Peretz kept nine clean sheets in 26 appearances after joining Southampton in January, and despite having alternative options on the table, it is believed that the 25-year-old has chosen to return to the South Coast, with the club hopeful of completing the deal this week.

Sport Republic praised as Southampton close in on Daniel Peretz deal

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When asked for his reaction to Peretz's imminent return, FLW's Southampton fan pundit, Louis Harris, claimed that the deal was a statement of intent from the Saints, and he admitted that it was a necessary move from the club's owners, Sport Republic, to get supporters back on side after the 'spygate' affair.

"I think the club have been really tactical with looking at signing Peretz permanently," Louis told FLW.

"They needed to do something early and show some intent of what they want to do.

"It kind of sets them up well for the rest of the summer.

"Players who are eyeing up moves away will maybe look at it and think that this could be not as bad as we first initially thought.

"I think the club had to do something, not only for the players, but also for the fans as well.

"I know a lot of fans have been let down, you can imagine that a lot of fans are considering whether to renew their season tickets.

"With all of that coming up, I think they need to make sure there's some light at the end of the tunnel.

"Hopefully this is the first step in the right direction, especially when it comes to the transfer window."

Southampton have hit the jackpot with Daniel Peretz, Bayern Munich deal

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Southampton kept just four clean sheets in the league in the first half of the season with a combination of Gavin Bazunu and Alex McCarthy between the sticks, but that number doubled after Peretz's arrival, underlining the clear impact he made at St Mary's.

Reports in Germany suggested that the buy clause in Peretz's loan deal was worth £7 million, and while that would be a substantial fee to spend if it is the amount the Saints have paid, he will be worth every penny if he helps the club return to the Premier League next season.

As they attempt to turn the page on the 'spygate' saga, it seems Southampton could also be set to secure the return of another of last season's influential loanees, Cyle Larin, .