Will Southampton’s Record Signing Cut It In The Premier League?

Another interesting saga in the transfer window now – Italian international Pablo Osvaldo transferring to Premier League side Southampton. But will the club’s record signing cut it in England?

The Roma striker has put pen to paper in a four-year deal in Hampshire reportedly worth around €15.1 million and will surely be out to impress his new team. He joins another Italian footballer in the English topflight who recently switched from Juventus, Emanuele Giaccherini who signed for Sunderland, as unfortunately he was not in Antonio Conte’s plans.

The 27-year-old obviously made his mark in the Italian league after gathering interest from Cesare Prandelli for the national side. The Italian boss partnered him up with AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli, which in my opinion is a very good partnership, as it offers strength but also height for those long balls that Pirlo produces. Osvaldo was on the score-sheet for  the Azzurri on 3 occasions and has so far earned nine caps for his country.

Back in Roma, Osvaldo was a key player and bagged 27 goals in 55 appearances, and it will be a good indication of just how strong the Saints forward really is when he struts his stuff amongst the elite in England.

His qualities sit in the physical side of the game, so if he can tweak his attitude and continue his fine goalscoring form then I for one predict a successful future ahead. 

Follow Peter Crepaz on twitter: @Crepaz10