It seems like a lifetime ago when Southampton were not only playing in European football but were also comfortably beating sides in the Premier League, and it also feels like an age when Manolo Gabbiadini was the man of the moment for the Saints.
A memorable #WHUFC throwback!
Secure your seat for the 2019/20 edition at St Mary’s right here: https://t.co/jiQSjzAfyH pic.twitter.com/euRbTXA384
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) December 10, 2019
The now-Sampdoria striker was a sensation when joined the Saints in January transfer window in 2017, scoring six goals in his first four games with the club, including two in the League Cup final in which the Italian attacker could have had a hat-trick, as well as being named PFA Player of the Month for the month of February that year.
Are Southampton doing enough behind-the-scenes?
Yes, they're making the right steps
No, more drastic action needs to be done
Although Gabbiadini’s time at the Saints was short-lived with the forward eventually dipping out of form and eventually returning to Italy, the former no. 10 is oddly still remembered on the south coast, and his goal against West Ham, who Southampton play this weekend, would be one of his final key moments for the Premier League club.
Here’s what Southampton fans had to say about Gabbiadini’s time at the club as well as his goal against the Hammers on Twitter…
Was there for that one
— Robbie (@EditSouthampton) December 10, 2019
I miss Gabbers
— Shaun Williams (@tansitman1964) December 10, 2019
— Jake Wade (@J_Wade21) December 10, 2019
That man must’ve made runs like that 500 times for Saints, and probably only received the right pass a handful of occasions. So badly utilised.
— Ayd (@AydRichards) December 10, 2019
Gabby the legend!
— Terry Buck (@ElTelofDaya) December 10, 2019
I miss @Mgabbia23
— Sarah Palmer (@sarziebabes) December 10, 2019
Gabbiadini left Southampton this year in January, leaving for a reported fee of £12m according to BBC Sport.
