Nathan Redmond: Chinese takeover could be key to "next step" for Saints

NATHAN Redmond believes the Chinese takeover by tycoon Jisheng Gao is key to taking Saints forward to the "next step".

But while the 23-year-old views the fresh investment as a positive, the players have been initially told by the club's hierarchy that they won't feel the affects of Gao's arrival immediately.

The 64-year-old businessman bought an 80 per cent stake of the club for around £210m on Monday afternoon.

"It shows the growth of the club, it's fantastic," said Redmond. "I've heard a lot about Markus Liebherr and his vision and the plan they had for the club from 2009.

"Although I've come in late to that, to see it happening, to see it manifest itself in the football and training ground is admirable."

Carrying on and building on what the Liebherrs have constructed on and off the pitch will be vital for Gao, from Redmond's point of view.

Markus Liebherr bought the club in 2009 and, after his death in 2010, his daughter, Katharina, inherited it and was owner as Saints completed back-to-back promotions to the Premier League.

She has since overseen years of progress, with the club securing four top eight finishes in the Premier League in a row.

Redmond trusts that Saints have now brought in someone in Gao who can continue this work.

"Southampton is not a club that would bring in the wrong people or bad people, on the pitch or off the pitch," he said.

"They're always looking to improve and get better and to take us forward to the next step will be key."

The players were gathered at Staplewood to be briefed on the dawn of a new era at the club, which Redmond is adamant will not be a distraction as Mauricio Pellegrino's men look to start their season on a positive note.

"They briefed us just beforehand - we were not oblivious to the news - they just said that it won't affect us straight away and if there are any changes, we'll be the first to know, as we should be as the players representing the club," Redmond said.

The England international knows that, although there is a lot going on off field at St Mary's, the players need to remain staunchly focused on a good start to the Premier League season.

"We're staying out of it," he added, referring to the takeover. "We aren't on the training pitch discussing who they're going to bring in or how much money they're investing in to the club, or what's going to happen.

"We go out there, enjoy the sessions and work hard each and every single day.

"We come in the changing room and have a laugh. It's the last thing that comes up in conversation.

"It's part of the club and if it affects the football the right people, Les ( vice chairman of football Les Reed) and Ralph (chairman Ralph Krueger), they'll be the first one to inform us.

"But nothing's changed."