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Ronald Koeman enjoyed a solid 2014 summer transfer window as Southampton manager, bringing the likes of Sadio Mane and Graziano Pelle to St. Mary’s.
And in the 2015 January winter market, the Dutchman had hoped he struck gold again when he brought in Eljero Elia on loan from Werder Bremen, much to the delight of supporters.
@SouthamptonFC @ELJERO11ELIA different gravy, you saint!
— Brady Hampton (@BradyHampton4) December 23, 2014
@SouthamptonFC @ELJERO11ELIA great player, great signing. Can’t wait to see him play
— sam (@samwillliamss) December 23, 2014
“@SouthamptonFC: We’re pleased to announce that #SaintsFC has reached an agreement for the signing of winger @ELJERO11ELIA.
Great News!!!— Paul Bristow (@Bisto101) December 23, 2014
@SouthamptonFC @ELJERO11ELIA Rapid! #Quality
— Ben Bowers (@BenHenTen) December 24, 2014
@SouthamptonFC @ELJERO11ELIA beautiful, great little signing. Look forward to seeing him.
— Chris (@cj_garrett) December 23, 2014
@SouthamptonFC @ELJERO11ELIA @werderbremen welcome to Saints ,Eljero , can’t wait to see you play
— Ruth Alice Pollock (@RuthiePollock) December 23, 2014
@SouthamptonFC @ELJERO11ELIA fantastic news!!!!!!
— Gareth Herman (@twitchysaintgaz) December 23, 2014
@SouthamptonFC @ELJERO11ELIA Well done to Saints & a Big welcome to Eljero
— Kiron (@kiron1957) December 23, 2014
@SouthamptonFC @ELJERO11ELIA Incredible! Koeman has some bargaining power, Alderweirald, Bertrand now Elia…just incredible
— chris brooker (@Jarhead135i) December 23, 2014
A quick and tricky winger, it was not hard to understand why there was so much excitement surrounding the 32-year-old.
Elia was the kind of player who could get fans off their seats, especially during his early playing days at FC Twente and Hamburger SV.
For all of the skill and trickery Elia had, though, his game lacked consistency, something supporters at his various clubs including Southampton saw, with injuries not helping.
Factor in a big move to Juventus that did not work out, the Netherlands international failed to fulfil his potential.
Scoring just two goals during his time at St. Mary’s, Elia’s short stint as a Southampton player ended up being an underwhelming one.
During his tenure as Saints boss, Koeman certainly made some very good signings, signings that helped turn the south coast club into an outfit capable of challenging for a place in the Europa League.
Unfortunately for Elia, though, he does not fall into that bracket having failed to make the sort of impact that was expected of him when he joined Koeman’s side.
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