It is no secret that Southampton has struggled in the Premier League so far this season. Mauricio Pellegrino’s men are currently languishing in 14th place, just four points off the relegation zone. Their problems have been mainly to do with the forward line.
With just 9 goals scored in 12 matches, only three other Premier League which includes Huddersfield Town, Swansea City and Crystal Palace have scored less. All of the Saints’ forwards are currently misfiring with just four goals in between them. Manolo Gabbiadini has scored three goals this season while Charlie Austin has scored one.
The Daily Mail is now reporting that the Saints are willing to entertain offers for forwards Manolo Gabbiadini, Charlie Austin and Shane Long when the transfer window reopens in January.
And the striker who has failed to live up to the expectations of the Southampton hierarchy is Republic of Ireland international, Shane Long and he’s likely to be the first one to be transferred out.
The 30-year-old is yet to score so far this season. He has made 12 appearances for the Saints and has two assists to his name. His stats are simply not good enough if Southampton are to make progress this season.
With key fixtures against Everton, Manchester City and Bournemouth coming up, the Saints boss needs to figure out a way to solve his team’s goalscoring problem. Otherwise, the January transfer window may be his only other option to address this situation.
So let’s take a look at three strikers that can replace Shane Long as the Saints’ primary striker.
Jamie Vardy
Probably the hardest transfer to accomplish in this list, the veteran English forward can be an excellent coup if the Saints can make it happen.
The Leicester City poacher has made 205 appearances for the club, scoring 72 goals and making 40 assists. He was instrumental in Leicester City’s title triumph in 2016.
A Premier League proven striker with a regular habit of scoring goals is exactly what Southampton need right now. It is possible to secure the services of the 30-year-old in January, but only if the Foxes are willing to sell.
Antonio Sanabria
The Real Betis forward has been in terrific form recently and has become one of the most talked about strikers in La Liga right now. He has scored 7 goals in 10 appearances for Los Verdiblancos this season.
A formidable bid in January might be enough to convince Real Betis to do the business. The Paraguayan just turned 21 this year and will be a prospect for the future, if the Saints can get him.
Mark Uth
The TSG Hoffenheim forward has scored 8 goals and made 3 assists in his 17 appearances for the club this season. At 26, the former Heerenveen man is reaching the peak of his career and securing his signature right now might prove to be a real coup for the Saints.
The German striker may be the ideal answer to Mauricio Pellegrino’s prayers.
