Mark Hughes: 'Southampton perfect club for Danny Ings'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 10 August 2018

Southampton manager Mark Hughes believes that Danny Ings has joined the "perfect club" at this stage of his career following his move from Liverpool.

Southampton manager Mark Hughes has claimed that Danny Ings has joined the "perfect club" at this stage of his career following his deadline-day move from Liverpool.

Ings completed an initial loan switch to St Mary's which will be made permanent for £16m next summer, ending an injury-plagued spell at Anfield which saw him limited to only six Premier League starts in the past three years.

The move sees the 26-year-old join his boyhood club, and Hughes is confident that it will prove to be a good deal for both parties.

"We got to the point where it was a win-win situation for both clubs and, more importantly, for Danny as well because he's come to a club he's clearly got a lot of affection for and maybe a point to prove," Hughes told reporters.

"We're the perfect club for him at this point in his career. I think whenever you have a player who has a real feeling for the club that he's playing for and a special connection and an empathy, I think that makes a difference.

"I think fans respond to that as well. I would imagine the first time Danny walks out in a Southampton kit there's going to be a huge reception for him."

Hughes also confirmed that Ings is available to make his debut during Sunday's season-opener against former club Burnley.