Update emerges on Daniel Peretz, Southampton transfer | OneFootball

Daniel Peretz may not be obliged to sign for Southampton this summer, but the Saints are still hopeful for a deal to be done

There arguably hasn't been a more impressive goalkeeper in the second half of this season's Championship campaign than Southampton's Daniel Peretz.

The Israeli shot-stopper has proven why he was on the books of German giants Bayern Munich before he was loaned out to the Saints in January, with numerous big performances and match-winning saves to help Tonda Eckert's side reach the play-offs and move within 90 minutes of the Premier League.

Peretz has lost just two of the 26 games he has played on the south coast, on his debut against Hull City and in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City, and understandably, Southampton are keen to make his signing permanent this summer.

Update emerges on the buy clause in Daniel Peretz's loan deal at Southampton

It was initially reported that the €8 million option to buy the 25-year-old, which was included in the loan deal with Bayern, would be automatically triggered upon promotion. However, this is now not said to be the case.

According to Florian Plettenberg, Southampton do, indeed, have a buy clause in Peretz's loan deal worth around €7-8 million, but, crucially, that clause does not turn into an obligation if the Saints are promoted.

The report does say, though, that Tonda Eckert's side is open to triggering that option, and it's clear to see why.

Per Fotmob, Peretz has prevented 6.54 goals this season, when taking into account the expected goals he's faced in the second half of the campaign, which is the second-most in the division, behind Carl Rushworth's 6.7. And, with a save percentage of 76.3%, he ranks in the top 10% of goalkeepers in the division.

Southampton's strong end to the campaign, where they went 19 league games unbeaten, alongside their FA Cup run to the semi-finals, was built on strong foundations across the whole squad, but Peretz has had to bail them out a few times to ensure the wins kept coming.

If the Saints do end up back in the Premier League next season, you'd imagine that a shot-stopper like Peretz would be key to avoiding an immediate Championship return once again.

Southampton's buy clause was a smart deal, but the caution was unnecessary in the end

Southampton have come under criticism for transfers under the Sport Republic ownership since they came to the club in 2022. However, the clause surrounding Peretz's loan-to-buy deal has been a rather smart piece of business.

If Peretz was underwhelming in between the sticks, yet Tonda Eckert's side still managed to get promoted despite their goalkeeper, they'd be bound to a signing if the buy clause was obligatory, which would take a chunk out of next season's transfer budget.

Already this summer, Ipswich Town have had to pay Ajax a reported £7 million for the permanent signing of Chuba Akpom, who made just nine league starts and scored two goals this season, because their initial loan deal included an obligatory buy clause.

Similarly, Cedric Kipre will also be signing permanently at Portman Road, but for a more nominal fee at €2.5 million, plus the 29-year-old has played a more prominent role in helping the Tractor Boys back into the Premier League. Even then, though, there'll be expectations for Kieran McKenna to look to improve the squad, to the point where Kipre may not be included, either.

While that won't stop Ipswich from going out and spending, it must be a bit frustrating to have to set aside some of the budget for players who likely won't contribute to their upcoming Premier League campaign.