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Smart move Hughes – Southampton signing this £16m star as Tadic’s replacement is the right way forward

Why Mohammed Elyounoussi could be the ideal replacement for departing Southampton star Dusan Tadic

Southampton are extremely lucky to retain their Premier League status as they finished 17th last season, just one spot above the relegation zone with a total of 36 points. Southampton were poor all season long as they failed to show any real consistency or intent in their performance.

The Saints often looked demotivated and sloppy on the ball.  Things got even worse after the club lost defender Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool in January.

Southampton sacked their manager Mauricio Pellegrino towards the end of the season and replaced him with Mark Hughes, who ultimately steered the club to safety. As a result, the Saints rewarded Hughes with a permanent contract which will keep him at the club until 2021.

Southampton have been active in the transfer market, having already signed midfielder Stuart Armstrong from Celtic on a four-year contract for around £7m. However, the club should be aiming to make further signings before the start of the season if they want to fare better next term. But in order to do make new signings, Southampton have to offload some players in the summer.

The Saints have been linked with FC Basel attacking midfielder Mohammed Elyounoussi. Southampton are ready to make the Norway international their second most expensive signing for £16m.

But in order to raise the required funds to sign Elyounoussi, Southampton are reportedly looking to sell midfielder Dusan Tadic, who is set to join Ajax.

Tadic joined Southampton from FC Twente in 2014 and made a total of 162 appearances for the Premier League club, scoring 23 goals and providing four assists. But his form and energy seem to have diminished in the past couple of seasons. The Serbian lacked creativity and urgency in the final third last term.

On the other hand, Elyounoussi made a total of 32 appearances in the Swiss league last season, scoring 11 goals in the process. He also scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist in 7 Champions League matches.

The midfielder is known for his creativity and vision in front of goal. He operates as an attacking midfielder but the 23-year-old is also capable of playing on the flanks. His versatility makes him a very enticing prospect.

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Elyounoussi is also comfortable on the ball and possesses the ability to run past defenders with ease.

The departure of Tadic and the arrival of Elyounoussi will certainly bolster Hughes’ squad. But Southampton would be needing more signings if they want to stay away from the relegation battle in the 2018/19 campaign.