Southampton, West Ham and Crystal Palace all want Munir El Haddadi.
Munir El Haddadi has accomplished a lot in his career at the age of just 21. His short CV is adorned by two La Liga trophies, two Copas del Ray and the 2015 Champions League, as well as a senior international cap for Spain.
Nonetheless, three years after making his much-anticipated breakthrough in Barcelona’s first-team, Munir is yet to back it up with regular first-team football. Understandably failing to oust the M, the S or the N in Barca’s front three, the former Atletico Madrid youngster joined Valencia on loan last summer.
Munir scored on his La Liga debut against Elche in August 2014
22 starts and six La Liga goals later, however, Sport report that the perennial crisis club have decided against signing Munir permanently for the agreed £9 million.
Yet, if there’s any club that could ensure Munir does not join Christian Tello, Isaac Cuenca and co in the long list of La Masia graduates who have been condemned to journeymen careers, it’s Southampton.
A lack of excitement and cutting edge in the final third eventually saw Claude Puel subjected to jeers from his own, disatisfied supporters in the final few months of the Premier League season. And that was despite the Frenchman leading The Saints to an EFL Cup final.
Therefore, new manager Mauricio Pellegrino will know that one of his primary priorities is to ensure the fans are entertained again at St Mary’s. And the addition of Munir, a technically gifted forward who is capable of turning finishing into an art form, would surely get the fans on their feet for the right reasons.
Furthermore, Southampton need a goalscorer to take the pressure of January signing Manolo Gabbiadini. Charlie Austin remained the club’s second highest goalscorer last season despite injury restricting him to just 11 league starts, after all.
Therefore, Munir could add some much needed quality in the final third.
Southampton is a club renowned for helping players reach their potential. And Munir should remember that when making his choice.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
