Southampton must act now to avoid contract standoffs repeat.
There’s no way Che should have been in the last year of his contract,” he insisted, adding, “I don’t blame anyone at the club currently.”
The situation has taken power out of the club’s hands, with the 16-goal striker now free to discuss terms of a free transfer.
Wolves are sniffing around the Scotland international, who was offered a refreshed deal last summer but has failed to sign it.
Midfielder Stuart Armstrong and goalkeeper Alex McCarthy also face uncertain futures with their contracts expiring this month.
Martin is going to face the very same problem with four more key players this time next year unless they can find a resolution.
Jan Bednarek, Jack Stephens, Adam Armstrong and Kyle Walker-Peters are all on contracts that – as detailed by the club – expire in June 2025.
Unless any have already signed a secret extension yet to be announced by Saints, other clubs will be free to approach them next year.
The situation has already seen the rumour mill begin to turn
Polish media report that the 28 year old had an offer from French Ligue 1 outfit Stade Rennais back in the January window.
