Southampton ‘agree deal’ to appoint new manager as David Ornstein drops monumental update

Southampton have reportedly ‘reached an agreement’ to appoint Ivan Juric as their new manager, following the sacking of Russell Martin last week.

The Saints have endured a dismal start to the season and sit bottom of the Premier League table on just five points. Juric will be tasked with trying to guide them to survival.

The 49-year-old coach was most recently manager of Roma, where he was sacked by Everton’s new owners, The Friedkin Group, after just 12 games in charge.

According to journalist David Ornstein, Southampton have now ‘agreed a deal’ with Juric and he is set to take the reins at St Mary’s imminently.

“Southampton have agreed a deal with Ivan Juric to become their new manager,” wrote Ornstein for The Athletic.

“Juric has agreed a deal until the summer of 2026 with the a two-year option to extend. The contracts are being drafted and Juric is expected to arrive in the UK today (Friday).

“The Croatian will have a visa appointment and, if all goes to plan, he will be in place for Southampton’s trip to Fulham on Sunday.”

Southampton have moved quickly to find a new manager and will hope that Juric proves to be the right choice. Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl was heavily linked with the Saints, but the club have opted to go in a different direction.

Southampton have a long-standing interest in Juric and made him their top target before Nathan Jones was ultimately appointed in 2022.

The Saints now face an extremely difficult task in trying to avoid relegation. Their tally of only five points from 16 games represents the third-worst start to a season since the Premier League began.

They are currently nine points away from safety. As mentioned, their next match is against Fulham, who have been largely excellent this season, before they face West Ham (home) and Crystal Palace (away) in what could prove to be crucial fixtures.