Southampton: Hasenhuttl confirms he wants new striker in transfer window
By Marc Walker
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has confirmed that he wants to bring a new striker to the club during this January transfer window.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s game against Leicester City this weekend, the Austrian hinted that strengthening his attack would be the priority ahead of the second half of the season.
Manolo Gabbiadini’s transfer to Sampdoria is reported to be almost complete and a replacement would be needed to provide some competition for Danny Ings, Charlie Austin, Shane Long and Michael Obafemi.
On recruiting an attackers, Hasenhuttl said:
"“That is what we are forcing and what we are looking for; to bring someone in during this transfer period. It’s not so easy in the winter because we must find a guy who is not just for the short-term but for the long-term.“I only want to take a transfer which is with a future and helping us for the longer term. That’s what I want to see.”"
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With the club’s transfer intentions now clear, Saints fans will be wondering who this striker could be.
One player that has been linked with a move to St Mary’s is the Everton forward Ademola Lookman, who spent five months of last season on loan with Hasenhuttl at RB Leipzig.
The 21-year-old produced some exciting performances in the Bundesliga and showed the potential that he has if he progresses at the same rate in the next few years.
Lookman would also bring an ability to play across the frontline after playing on the left and right wings as well as upfront in his career so far.
He has had only limited game time with Everton this season after playing just 369 minutes of football so far and could favour a move away.
Other points of interest from Hasenhuttl’s pre-match conference saw him confirm that Gabbiadini did not fit into his style of play, whilst adding that Fraser Forster could move on from the club this January too.
According to BBC Radio Solent reporter Adam Blackmore too, Wesley Hoedt is not in Hasenhuttl’s future plans and will need to look for a new club in this transfer window.