Club manager confirms player won't extend contract amid Tottenham links
By Manuel Meza
Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters has recently found himself in the spotlight as speculation mounts regarding a potential return to Tottenham Hotspur.
Southampton manager Russel Martin has revealed that Walker-Peters is refusing to sign a new contract with the South Coast club, leaving his future hanging in the balance as he enters the final year of his current deal.
Walker-Peters, who began his career at Tottenham and progressed through their academy, has been the subject of interest from his former club throughout the summer transfer window.
Reports suggested that Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou was keen to bring the 27-year-old back to Hotspur Way, viewing him as a suitable fit for his tactical approach. However, despite the ongoing speculation, a transfer failed to materialise, and Walker-Peters remains with Southampton for now.
The situation took a turn when it was reported by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano that negotiations between Southampton and Walker-Peters’ camp regarding a contract extension had broken down.
Club manager confirms player won't extend contract amid Tottenham links
Martin confirmed this news, stating that the England international is not currently inclined to extend his stay at St Mary’s. This has raised questions about whether Walker-Peters will remain with the club beyond January, particularly if no agreement is reached on a new deal. In his comments to The Daily Echo, Martin said:
"He won’t sign a new contract right now. I don’t know if that will change at any point. It is a situation we have to be conscious and aware of."
He further emphasised the need for Walker-Peters to give his all on the pitch, likening his commitment to that of teammates Stuart Armstrong and Che Adams from the previous season.
If Walker-Peters continues to excel on the pitch, he may attract interest from several clubs when the January transfer window opens. Martin hinted at the possibility of the club considering selling the player if the right offer comes in. He noted:
"It will depend on how much he has played by then and his level of performance. It also depends on who comes in for him and what clubs value him at."