Eder is reportedly being targeted by West Brom – but just imagine how exciting Southampton would be if he links up with his former Sampdoria strike partner.
When perennial underachievers Sampdoria finally gave their put-upon fans something to cheer by qualifying for the Europa League in 2014/15, it owed much to the fearsome forward pairing of Eder and Manolo Gabbiadini – at least in the first half of the campaign.
The former, all quick feet and incisive movement, thrived in a free role off the front while the latter, rangy and gangly yet skilful and strong, was allowed to cut in from the right onto his wand of a left foot.
Yet, while there was no disputing the fact that the dynamic duo deserved an opportunity at one of Italy’s top clubs, Gabbiadini joining Napoli in January 2015 and Eder moving to Inter a year later, neither truly lived up to expectations.
Eder, as it stands, has only started nine Serie A games all season, struggling to earn a place under Stefano Pioli, Inter’s third coach since the summer. As such, Calciomercato report that the diminutive Italian international could be on his way out of the San Siro.
And it’s claimed that West Brom could hand him an opportunity in the Premier League. Innately skilful and blessed with superb vision and one-touch link-play, Eder is hardly the typical Tony Pulis forward but would supplement The Baggies’ brawns with much-needed brains.
Yet, if the 30-year-old wants to recapture his 2015 heyday, perhaps he should follow in his old partner’s footsteps.
After failing to adapt to Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri’s 4-3-3 system, playing a supporting role to Marek Hamsik, Lorenzo Insigne and co, Gabbiadini has starred as the leading man at Southampton.
Deployed in his favoured centre-forward position, the natural-born goalscorer has been given the opportunity to display his instincts. He scored six goals in his first four games, including an inspired poacher’s brace in the EFL Cup final defeat to Manchester United.
The Saints have still netted just 39 goals in 32 Premier League games, however. Therefore, if Gabbiadini is to take his game to another level, reuniting him with Eder could be the catalyst.
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