Southampton should sell Shane Long at the end of the season

There’s no denial that Shane Long’s season has been below par, and he should now be sold on by the club in the summer.

It’s been a frustrating season for the Irishman, there’s no shame in admitting that. His £12 million move in 2014 was met with skepticism but for his first two seasons he played a vital role in the squad.

Last year he even chipped in with as many as 13 goals in 34 appearances, with his characteristic work-rate defining his style of play.

However this year things have been different. Irregardless of the amount of times he’s come off the bench, the stats read the same: five goals in 42 appearances.

Assuming that he doesn’t find the back of the net three times before the end of the campaign, it’ll make it the worst goal-to-game ratio for the Irishman since the 2007/08 season when he was at Reading.

Despite making 22 of his Premier League appearances this year as a substitute, the stats still don’t make for good reading. He’s averaging just 0.2 successful dribbles a game and his passing accuracy is shy of 70 percent.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 05: Shane Long of Southampton looks on during the Premier League match between Southampton and Crystal Palace at St Mary’s Stadium on April 5, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images) /

When he was in his prime there was no denial that he was one of the league’s most underrated utility players. Despite only scoring five league goals in his first campaign his ability to run in behind and create chances made him vital for the team.

This time around though, now aged 30, Long has seemingly lost a step or two from his game and therefore he’s losing his main credential as a player.

The Irish international isn’t without suitors too, with West Ham United reportedly interested in the striker.

If Southampton could bring back as much as £8 million for the former Hull City man then it would be good business for a player who is potentially over the peak of his career.

The Saints could do with a bit of squad shake up this summer with Jay Rodriguez, Jordy Clasie and others all potentially on the trading block, and Shane Long should be the one to join them.

Selling the 30-year-old and replacing him with a young, naturally-pacey striker that can do his job should be priority for Les Reed and co. come season’s end.