Southampton is likely to hire Nathan Jones as Ralph Hasenhüttl’s replacement after receiving permission to talk with the Luton Town manager.
Hasenhüttl was fired on Monday following an ominous start to the season, and Southampton named Jones as their top target to lead the club ahead. Jones has performed wonders with limited resources at Luton and led the club into the Championship playoffs last season. On Tuesday, Jones will lead Luton for the final time when they visit his former club, Stoke City.
As they examined potential alternatives, Southampton admired Thomas Frank and spoke with River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo, but have advanced negotiations with Jones in recent days. It is believed that Luton and Southampton have agreed on a compensation settlement for Jones, whose contract runs until 2027. Southampton hopes Jones will remain in charge for Saturday’s trip to Liverpool, the Saints’ final game before the World Cup break if negotiations proceed as planned.
Luton stated in a statement that “the entire situation is cordial with Southampton and Nathan.” Jones left Luton in January 2019 to become the head coach at Stoke before returning to the club less than a year later.
The departure of Hasenhüttl follows Southampton’s 4-1 home loss to Newcastle on Sunday, which dropped the club into the Premier League relegation zone. The Austrian remained in charge for slightly under four years, with only one victory in his final nine matches.
Last month’s triumph at Bournemouth was wedged between home draws against West Ham and Arsenal and appeared to portend an upturn. However, Southampton then lost to Crystal Palace and Newcastle, requiring a change in leadership.
Hasenhüttl leaves the team in the same league position he inherited from Mark Hughes, which is 18th. Under his leadership, the squad finished 16th, 11th, and twice 15th and advanced to the FA Cup semi-finals in 2021.
“Hasenhüttl, who was hired in December 2018, departs having made a substantial contribution to the club, supervising several memorable results and playing a key role in the development of our club infrastructure, identity, and playing team,” a club statement read. “However, we now consider that the moment is right for a change.
“Everyone associated with the club would like to extend Ralph our deepest gratitude for all of his efforts and the steadfast dedication he has demonstrated throughout his time as manager.”
Richard Kitzbichler, appointed in 2019 to serve with Hasenhuttl, has also left St. Mary’s. Wednesday’s home Carabao Cup match between Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday will be supervised by Rubén Sellés, the first-team head coach who was hired in the summer.
