Let us take a look at the top 3 transfers in terms of attackers who are touted to be successful at their new clubs.
MANOLO GABBIADINI (SOUTHAMPTON)
Southampton have struggled for goals this season and although they boast the likes of Jay Rodriguez, Nathan Redmond, Dusan Tadic and Shane Long, an out and out finisher was lacking, especially after the shoulder injury to Charlie Austin. They have scored a meagre 23 goals in 23 matches and it is just not good enough. The defence has been solid which has seen them maintain a mid table position at the least till now. But with Jose Fonte leaving for West Ham, they can’t be dependent on the defenders to bail them out every time.
Manolo Gabbiadini was signed in the hope that his arrival would spark an upturn in attacking output. The Italian had been linked with a number of Premier League clubs all winter but it was the Saints who eventually managed to bring him onboard.
ROBERT SNODGRASS (WEST HAM UNITED)
Although he was Hull’s sole potent weapon in attack and naturally their highest scorer, the club did not have much choice other than to sell him when the Hammers came calling. They had in fact agreed on a deal with Burnley before that but the player chose the London Stadium as his preferred destination.
He is indeed a good signing for the Hammers, at least on paper and Bilic will hope that the Scot will lessen the impact of Payet’s departure. With the likes of Andy Carroll and Antonio in their ranks, Snodgrass’ deliveries from out wide and his set-piece ability will come in handy. His versatility will be a bonus as the player can play across the front and after his time at Hull, he has learnt to play under a fair bit of pressure which will be handy at the London Stadium.
SAIDO BERAHINO (STOKE CITY)
The Englishman was in dispute with his previous club, West Bromwich Albion, for over 2 years which was a terrible blow to his development and career growth, especially in such a phase. His desire to move to Tottenham Hotspur after a fine season was the initial cause of the fallout with the equally stubborn club who refused to sell him despite the pair of them relinquishing all kinds of communication between them.
But finally he was sold to the Potters this window and Mark Hughes will be hoping he sparks a turnaround in their striking department’s fortunes. Stoke City have somewhat recovered after a disastrous start but they still have issues to sort out. Bony has failed to settle and they have had to depend on veteran Peter Crouch who signed a contract extension after a slight upturn in form. Hughes will be hoping to pair the two of them in attack and use their contrasting styles to put the opposition defences in trouble.
