Southampton must wish they had pulled off Xherdan Shaqiri coup as freefall continues

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Southampton’s difficult start to the season continued today as Manchester City put them to the sword at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s side declared at 6-1 in a thumping result against Mark Hughes men.

It was a poor day at the office for Southampton, who simply could not keep up with their opponents. The Saints are now winless in the league since the first day of September.

But Southampton did have chances in the defeat. Indeed, one of their key problems this season has been scoring goals. Only Huddersfield Town have scored fewer goals than Southampton’s seven from the opening 11 games of the campaign.

If only they had got their hands on a player they were tentatively linked with during the summer.

When Stoke City were relegated to the Championship it triggered a release clause in Xherdan Shaqiri’s contract.

As reported by The Mirror, Southampton were hoping to convince Shaqiri to be the star at St Mary’s by activating his £13 million release clause. It would have seen him reunited with former Potters boss Mark Hughes.

Of course, once the likes of Liverpool showed their interest, Shaqiri always seemed a long-shot. He has gone on to impress and perhaps surprise many with his displays for Liverpool. Undoubtedly talented, he appears to be loving life under Jurgen Klopp and has impressed whenever given an opportunity to do so.

Southampton will just wish they could have got in their first, as the Swiss star could have been a star on the South Coast.