With Gabbiadini in and Fonte out, Southampton have a different feel about them.
Jose Fonte’s seven-year spell at Southampton ended on a sour note
On deadline day Southampton finally reinforced their attacking options with the addition of Manolo Gabbiadini, but this came after Jose Fonte – the last remaining player from the club’s time in League One – was sold, signalling a new era. Already we have learned that one was a very wise decision and one not.
Gabbiadini has been a revelation since arriving from Napoli for a record fee. In two games he has scored thrice and breathed a fresh lease of life into Claude Puel’s attack.
Only two of his team-mates have scored more in the league all season and in addition to the goals his presence appears to have improved the form of Dusan Tadic, who suddenly has better options for interplay, and should do something similar for Sofiane Boufal when he’s fit again.
Letting club captain Fonte go however seems an altogether less inspired decision.
Manolo Gabbiadini has scored in all of his last five games – two playing for Saints and three with Napoli
Just two days after the Portuguese departed, Southampton lost Virgil van Dijk to injury meaning young Jack Stephens had to step up.
He helped Saints keet a clean sheet in the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-final, but then they shipped ten goals in three games in which both Fonte’s experience and ability would have been valuable.
Southampton also brought in Mouez Hassen on loan, but he is yet to play
Free agent Martin Caceres has eventually been brought in to provide some depth at centre-half, but he hasn’t played for more than a year so with the only meaningful game of what’s left of the season less than a week away it’s likely too late.
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