Mark Hughes has confirmed that Italian forward Manolo Gabbiadini will stay at Southampton, after the Saints beat Brighton to secure passage to the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Gabbiadini struggled for Saints against the Seagulls, however, Mark Hughes believes that with some more game time, the Italian will be back to his goalscoring ways.
Speaking to the Southern Daily Echo, Hughes said:
Gabbiadini struggled to a certain extent, We’re conscious he hasn’t had game time here and players sometimes need games and runs of games.
Some can hit the ground running when they come back from pre-season and find their form of previous season.
But others need a little bit more time and a bit more opportunity in the first team to find that form we know they’re capable of.
The Italian had been linked with a move away from Saints, despite scoring the goal that basically kept Southampton in the division last season.
Gabbiadini’s heroics against Swansea did wonders for Southampton’s Premier League status, but the arrival of Danny Ings could hamper his chances of concistent first team football.
However, Hughes was quick to say that the striker will not be leaving Saints this week, with the transfer window in Europe shutting soon.
The Southampton boss said:
He won’t be going out. I like the options I’ve got upfront, I have no intention of letting anybody else out.
I’d be surprised if anyone else would go out now.
