According to reports, Southampton are interested in signing Stoke City winger Xherdan Shaqiri. Shaqiri, 26, has admitted he intends to leave Stoke City this summer, following their relegation to the Championship.
Despite Stoke’s wretched season, the Swiss attacker managed to score 8 goals and set up 7 more in 36 league games in the 2017/18 campaign but it wasn’t simply enough to save the club from relegation.
However, Southampton are reportedly willing to pay Shaqiri’s £12million release clause as Mark Hughes looks to reunite with the 26-year-old at St.Mary’s.
Hughes, who guided Southampton to safety last season, needs to bolster his side’s attack this summer. The Welshman remains a big fan of Shaqiri, having signed him from Inter Milan in 2015 when he was the manager of Stoke.
Should Southampton complete a deal for Shaqiri during the summer transfer window, here is how Southampton could line up next season with the stocky attacker in the team.
Fraser Forster’s poor run of form earned Alex McCarthy a regular role between the sticks. He impressed in the second-half of the season and should as Southampton’s first-choice goalkeeper next season.
Bednarek scored on his Southampton debut against Chelsea last season and did well in Hughes’ three-man backline. His impressive displays towards the end of the season must be enough for him to start next term.
Yoshida had an underwhelming season with the Saints as the entire defence struggled, conceding goals at an alarming rate. However, he should start next season with a renewed self-belief and gusto.
Wesley Hoedt struggled to cope with the intensity of the Premier League in his debut season with Southampton. The Dutch defender made errors with his judgement and was beaten several times while challenging for aerial balls, despite possessing a tall figure. However, he is expected to come good next campaign.
A consistent and reliable presence on the right-hand side of the defence, Soares remains Hughes’ first-choice and should keep his place in the team next season.
An attacking full-back, Bertrand has grown leaps and bounds in the last couple of years at Southampton. Filled with pace and energy, he is one of the most adventurous left-backs in the league.
Romeu is a combative midfielder tasked to carry out the dirty work at Southampton. He had an inconsistent season last time out and should look to make amends in the 2018/19 campaign.
Lemina initially struggled to cope with the intensity of the Premier League but slowly settled down as the season progressed. His energy and tenacity, coupled with his guile will be vital if the Saints are to do well next season.
Southampton struggled for goals and creativity last season, so signing Shaqiri could help them increase their attacking prowess. Nippy, intelligent and creative, with a sweet left-foot capable of producing moments of brilliance, the 26-year-old would provide the Saints with dynamism and cutting edge up front. He would also be an upgrade to Dusan Tadic.
A diminutive attacker with quick-feet and top dribbling abilities, Redmond still remains one of the most inconsistent performers in the Premier League. Despite failing to deliver this past season, Redmond should be trusted next season by Hughes.
Austin was the only hope for goals when the likes of Shane Long, Guido Carrillo and Manolo Gabbiadini struggled to find the back of the net. He should lead Southampton’s attack and is expected to put his injury woes behind next season.
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