Southampton transfer news: Saints sign Napoli striker and Italian international Manolo Gabbiadini
A four-and-a-half year deal has been agreed for the forward who has joined for an undisclosed fee believed to be around £17m
SOUTHAMPTON have signed Napoli striker Manolo Gabbiadini for a fee believed to be around £17million on a four-and-a-half year deal.
Gabbiadini, who has six caps for Italy, joined Napoli from Sampdoria in 2015 and has scored 15 goals in 55 league appearances.
Southampton needed extra cover up front as Charlie Austin is out for another three months with a shoulder injury.
Gabbiadini’s career began with Atalanta, where he made 26 appearances in all competitions between 2009 and 2012, while also enjoying a successful spell with Cittadella, in Serie B.
The Italy international has since gone on to represent Bologna, Sampdoria and Napoli in Serie A, making 160 appearances in all competitions for the three clubs.
In total, Gabbiadini has netted 58 club goals in 215 appearances during his time in Italy, while also winning six caps for the Italian national side, scoring once.
Director of Football Les Reed said: "With Jay Rodriguez, Shane Long and Nathan Redmond all in good form, and Charlie Austin making encouraging progress in his return from injury, Manolo is another exciting addition to our attacking line-up ahead."
Speaking about his move to the club, Gabbiadini said: "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.”