If transfer windows were an automobile, then the summer period would be the engine, chassis, body, interior, dashboard, trunk….well you get the idea. The January transfer window would be a hood ornament.
As a reporter pointed out to Manchester United Manager Jose Mourinho today, none of the “big six” or “top six” teams added a single player this January transfer window, in order to strengthen their run at the league title or top four.
Yes, news wise, it was like tumbleweeds passing through a deserted town.
Southampton FC announced a couple moves today though, as they added two players; one of which was Italian international Manolo Gabbiadini.
The 25 year-old forward arrives from Serie A side Napoli on a four year deal which will keep him at St. Mary’s until the summer of 2021.
In addition to Napoli, Gabbiadini’s career has included spells with Atalanta, Cittadella, Bologna and Sampdoria. He has made 160 Serie A appearances with the three clubs.
The Southampton FC issued Gabbiadini statement read: “I am very, very happy. Since I was a kid, one of my dreams was to perform in one of the biggest leagues in the world, so now that it’s happening I can’t wait to start playing.
“The facilities that I have seen here are an incredible level – top-level standards even for Serie A. These are the sort of facilities that make you want to come here and perform as soon as possible.”
The Saints also announced the signing of goalkeeper Mouez Hassen on a five-month loan deal. Hassen also represented France at every youth level, from Under-16s all the way through to Under-21s, winning 14 caps in total.
The Southampton FC issued statement from Hassen reads:
“I am really happy. It’s a pleasure for me to come to England for the first time and I am really happy to get to know the Premier League.
“I am really looking forward to joining the team.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, Bold and the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication, appears regularly as a guest on CGTN America, WGN CLTV News and KOZN.
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