Just like every other season, Southampton have parted ways with few of their key players this summer. After the key departures of Mane to Liverpool and Wanyama to Spurs, Graziano Pelle became the third major departure from St. Mary’s this summer as the Italian moved to Chinese side Shandong Luneng.
With the departure of Pelle, a big void has been created at the St. Mary’s up front. Charlie Austin is yet to shine since moving to the club in January while Jay Rodriguez had major troubles with injuries in the past two seasons and it’s yet to be seen that the Englishman can come back to where he left off before his injury nightmare.
New manager Claude Puel is a fan of using two forwards up front and the Saints would really benefit from a new number nine. With Europa League commitments, they will need depth in every department. According to Dutch newspaper Voetbal International, Dutch side Utrecht wants €8m for striker Sebastien Haller who has emerged as a prime target for the South Coast club in last 18 months.
Haller would be a brilliant signing for the Saints. Very few top performers in Eredivisie have failed to find their peak in the Premier League. Haller’s style of play looks like a perfect match for the Premier League. With a big frame of 6’2”, the Frenchman possesses a good physical strength that will help him thrive in the Premier League.
Over the last 18 months, Haller has been one of the most consistent strikers in Eredivisie for a side like Utrecht where he does not truly get the right support. With a wealth of creativity behind him at the South Coast club, the Frenchman’s goals are unlikely to dry down and rather it could improve big time as he settles into the Premier League.
From just 59 games for the Eredivisie side, Haller boasts an amazing tally of 35 goals and 11 assists. First joining the Eredivisie club on loan from his boyhood club Auxerre, the move was made permanent as the Frenchman made an immediate impact at Utrecht.
The 22-year-old is a target man by trait but he is blessed with a decent pace and technical ability. The Frenchman is quite mobile up front and would complement Shane Long ideally. For just €8m, the French under-21 international would be a brilliant coup from the Saints. With Long, Haller, Rodriguez and Austin, they will have enough firepower to keep up their top four push and also a good showing in Europe.
