Southampton fan pundit makes Alex McCarthy transfer claim | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

The end of the January transfer window on Thursday night saw Alex McCarthy remain at Southampton.

The shot-stopper has fallen even further down the pecking order at St. Mary’s lately, which led to some uncertainty over his future with the Saints.

However, the 34-year-old has remained with Southampton even as Joe Lumley has seemingly moved ahead of him in Russell Martin’s first team plans.

Lumley was chosen to play in recent FA Cup ties with Walsall and Watford, with McCarthy last making the matchday squad on 25 November.

The veteran goalkeeper’s contract is set to expire in the summer, meaning he could become a free agent at the end of the campaign unless a new deal is agreed.

Alex McCarthy firmly third choice now

FLW’s Southampton fan pundit Martin Sanders revealed his surprise at McCarthy’s decision to stay with the club this month.

He admitted that he expected the shot-stopper to show some ambition to earn regular playing time elsewhere, but has claimed Lumley is now deserving of the back-up keeper role.

“I got to be honest, I thought he would have gone,” Sanders told Football League World.

“He’s really dropped in the pecking order.

“I thought he would have been ambitious and want to go play football somewhere.

“He’s dropped to third choice now, Joe Lumley’s jumped him.

“Joe Lumley is more than capable as a number two, he showed that against Walsall in the FA Cup.

“He played alright at Watford in the FA Cup as well, very, very good with his feet, good distribution, very good for the dressing room.

“So I thought he would have gone, I’m surprised he’s still in the building.”

Southampton transfers

Southampton are fighting for promotion to the Premier League, and have earned their way back into contention for a top-two spot.

A lengthy unbeaten run stretching back to September has seen Martin’s side move to within touching distance of Ipswich Town.

The January transfer window saw David Brooks and Joe Rothwell arrive to bolster their chances of making an immediate return to the top flight.

Gavin Bazunu remains the first-choice goalkeeper in Martin’s first team squad, with Lumley overtaking McCarthy in the pecking order.

Not a major concern for Southampton

Keeping McCarthy or letting him go in January shouldn’t be the biggest concern for Southampton.

It is a surprise that he has fallen so far down the pecking order without seeking a move, but perhaps he is happy with his position at this stage of his career.

The 34-year-old has a lot of experience, which could be quite useful to keep around in an otherwise young dressing room.

With his contract set to expire in the summer, he will also have more control over his future then so it may be better for all involved that he has remained at the club.