Would a China move show a lack of ambition for Southampton’s Graziano Pelle?

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After several years as somewhat of a journeyman across Italy and Holland, it wasn’t until 2012 when Graziano Pelle caught the eye aged 26 as he netted 27 goals in 29 games on loan at Feyenoord, and followed it up with 23 goals in 28 games after signing permanently. Two impressive seasons in the Premier League followed at St Mary’s, and his international career has finally taken off with his performances at Euro 2016 attracting plaudits worldwide.

Now should be the time for Graziano Pelle to be considering how to make the next step in his career. Instead, he is believed to be set to move to China, to sign for Shandong Luneng Taishan FC for a fee in the region of £13 million, according to Sky Sports. Many fans have criticised the potential move, pointing to a lack of ambition, particularly given Southampton’s continued progress and reported interest from elsewhere.

In recent days, Pelle has been linked with moves to both Chelsea and Everton. After an impressive performance with 2 goals in 4 games at Euro 2016 under Antonio Conte, and such a move to Chelsea would show an ambitious final crack at the very top level if he wishes to push for Champions League football rather than the Europa League that Southampton can off this season.

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There is of course the debate over whether a move to China is as unambitious as it could be considered. With the likes of Jackson Martinez and Hulk both recently completing big money transfers to China, Pelle would be far from the star attraction. Whilst the quality on the whole is of a lower standard, the league is improving and is attracting an increasing number of star quality players. Ex-Premiership stars like Ramires, Paulinho, Demba Ba, Gervinho and Tim Cahill are all plying their trade in China, and the Italian would merely be the latest to join the increasing fashion of moving to the Orient.

Forgtetting on the field matters, it’s clear to see the temptation for the striker. Coming towards the end of a short career, offered a massive wage hike which it is unlikely that Southampton could compete with or Chelsea would want to rival for a back up player. Pelle has moved country 3 times since 2012, so whilst a move to China would be an entirely different proposition, it is not completely alien to him.

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For the Saints, the move makes sense. Pelle will celebrate his 31st birthday on Friday, with one year left on his contract, frequent prolonged goal droughts and issues with an ongoing knee injury which have prevented him from even training at times, the reported £13 million offer would allow them to make a £5 million profit on the £8 million they paid for him in 2014. With the likes of Shane Long, Charlie Austin and Jay Rodriguez all waiting in the wings, they are far from short of options and could always use the funds received from his  sale to reinvest if required.

Whilst Pelle has become a popular player a St Mary’s, with his name being touted with a range of clubs there is an increasing risk of him souring this relationship, as others have before (see Dejan Lovren). Southampton are a club used to selling important players and replacing them with the next big thing, and Pelle will only become the latest name on a long list if his move to China is completed.

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