Signing Xherdan Shaqiri from Stoke City would only be a great signing for Southampton if it’s the first step of a big summer.
With a release clause of just £12 million and boasting a manager who got some stellar performances from him, it’s easy to see why the Saints would target the diminutive winger.
Shaqiri would undoubtedly bring some added class to Southampton, taking some of the creative pressure off Dusan Tadic and adding the rare ability for the spontaneously spectacular.
As good of a signing as he would be, however, Shaqiri must not be the pinnacle this summer – it’s imperative that he’s a luxury.
Southampton’s problem last season was not breaking teams down or, more bluntly, creating scoring opportunities. The Saints created more chances than anyone outside of the top six yet were 15th in goals scored. That’s not a problem that is solved by a ‘magician’ like Shaqiri; they desperately need a consistent goalscorer.
Shane Long, Charlie Austin, Guido Carrillo, and Manolo Gabbiadini all failed to take advantage of the team’s creativity, be it through poor form, lack of fitness, or simply not gelling.
A new goalscorer is necessary if Southampton are going to make the drastic improvements that they should be aiming for next season. Now, if they fix that problem and add the magic of Shaqiri? Then a really competitive season is firmly on the cards.
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