Why Southampton must go all out for this out of favour 7-goal Barcelona starlet

Southampton have been linked with making a move for Barcelona forward Paco Alcacer. The Saints avoided relegation by a whisker last term as they finished 17th in the Premier League. Southampton will be hoping for a much stronger campaign under Mark Hughes next season.

Southampton need to use the summer transfer window to bolster their squad, and here’s why they can’t afford to miss out on the signing of Alcacer.

Southampton need a goalscorer

Southampton struggled at both ends of the pitch last season, conceding 56 times and scoring just 37 goals in the Premier League.

The three strikers at the club – Shane Long, Charlie Austin and Manolo Gabbiadini – managed to score only 14 goals amongst them, a hugely disappointing return. It’s clear that Southampton could use a new striker to provide them the much-needed firepower upfront.

Although Alcacer himself didn’t have a great season with Barcelona, the forward still did well to score 7 goals and set up 4 more in 23 appearances in all competitions in the 2017/18 campaign The Spaniard managed to start only eight games in La Liga last season.

Something different compared to current options

Southampton have a good number of options in the striking department but no one shines out a prolific goalscorer. Austin is a powerful striker who can act as an efficient target man but he lacks mobility.

Long, on the other hand, is super mobile and great with his movement but he lacks an end product. Gabbiadini has often struggled for consistency at the St. Mary’s Stadium. Alcacer could bring that coveted balance to Southampton’s attack as the Spaniard can supplement his mobility with goals.

Alcacer is a poacher, who constantly finds himself in dangerous positions, and once he is there, he has the ability to slot in a calm finish past the goalkeeper.

Versatility

Alcacer is a natural goalscorer and fares best when used as a striker. Yet the player is more than capable of playing across different positions up front. He is comfortable on the ball as he can dribble his way past players before looking for a pass to a teammate in a better position.

If signed, Alcacer could turn out to be a great player for Southampton.