Initially just whispers, the rumour linking Paco Alcacer has gathered pace – but he is really the answer?
Southampton were originally linked with the Spanish striker three weeks ago, but rumours haven’t died off. This comes despite the fact that the Barcelona man was reportedly ‘unimpressed’ at the idea of moving to the Premier League to play for the Saints.
Alcacer only joined the Catalan giants a year ago from Valencia, but has struggled having had to play second-fiddle to Luis Suarez. His appearances have been limited to cup games and substitutions.
As a result it’s now reported that he’s been placed on the transfer list by Barca, spurring the Saints, Crystal Palace and other teams around Europe to express interest in the 24-year-old.
However, looking at Southampton’s current crop of forwards, do they really need him? There’s no debating the former-Valencia man’s quality as a footballer, but it wouldn’t add another dimension to the Southampton strikeforce.
The strongest part of Alcacer’s game is his positioning – his runs in the box, his ability to find space between defenders – the Saints arguably have this covered with the duo of Charlie Austin and Manolo Gabbiadini.
Whilst neither of those two are likely ever going to attract the scouts of Barcelona, the Spaniard himself hardly boasts a breathtaking goal-record. His best return from a season is 15 goals, and he’s yet to average a goal every other game with a return of ten or more.
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What’s more, the 24-year-old would surely command a record fee from the Saints to secure his signature. The pedigree of playing for Barca raises his stock as it is, and the side will want to reclaim some of their £26 million pound investment.
Alcacer stands at just five-foot-nine but isn’t exceptionally quick – Shane Long is certainly faster meaning he won’t be rivaling the Irishman in that aspect.
Whilst heading is far from the weakest element of his game, he’s far from a lethal target man – arguably what Southampton need the most up top.
In truth, the Saints’ strikers have been mostly isolated to start the season, a recurring problem from the last campaign that has seemingly not been fixed. The solution for that isn’t fresh investment up front, but instead new wingers or attacking midfielders.
Excluding the free-roaming Mario Lemina, Southampton didn’t bring in any new attacking-minded players over the summer, meaning Dusan Tadic and Nathan Redmond remain the side’s two main attacking-midfielders. This is perhaps where the problems lie.