Who is Cyle Larin & Why Have Southampton Chosen Him to Replace Adam Armstrong? | OneFootball

The Saints have lined up their new man to lead the line: Cyle Larin. The Canadian striker could be set to see his loan at Feyenoord terminated by Mallorca for a switch to Championship side Southampton.

But who is the 30-year-old? What is his playstyle, and could he be the solution to the Saints’ striker problem or another failed attempt by Sport Republic?

Who is he?

Bursting out onto the scene in the MLS, Cyle Larin took the league by storm in 2015, setting an all-time rookie record for 17 goals in a single campaign.

During his three seasons at Orlando City, he scored 44 goals in just 89 appearances — a tally only surpassed by winger Facundo Torres, who needed a further 30 games to achieve that.

The Canadian, of Jamaican descent, then made his way to Europe in 2018, joining Turkish giants Besiktas, where he netted 31 goals. Amidst that, a successful loan to Belgian side Zulte Waregem saw him score seven goals.

After leaving Besiktas for Club Brugge in 2022, things haven’t gone to plan for Larin, failing to replicate his goalscoring prowess — a sign this move is likely a short-term fix rather than a signing made with longevity in mind. However, his physical stature, standing at 6’2″, could prove him suitable for the demands of the Championship.

Why Sign Him?

There are a few distinct reasons why this signing appeals to the Southampton hierarchy:

An obvious one is the price. A loan, likely with an option, or just a straight loan, suits the Saints financially.

Another reason is his availability. While he’s unlikely to be fully match fit, he doesn’t have a history constantly riddled with injuries. His goalscoring potential is purely guesswork as of now, but his reliability to stay fit surely stood out to Spors and the Saints’ scouting team.

A physical striker who will look to pin defenders back is crucial for the Saints. Both Adam Armstrong and Cameron Archer struggled this season, often being isolated and unable to pick up on long balls. Ross Stewart hasn’t been far more successful, but he has at least offered an option to play long, which has served Southampton well when under opposition pressure.

At 30, this year could be his last World Cup, and in order to secure his place in the Canadian national team under Jesse Marsch, he’ll need to be putting up numbers and making appearances on a consistent basis. This motivation and drive could pair nicely with Southampton’s need to propel themselves up the table.

What is his playstyle?

He isn’t someone who will look to hold the ball constantly. While capable, the Canadian is more technical than the likes of Ross Stewart, often opting for flick-ons and first-time bounce passes to link up during attacking plays.

The 30-year-old, while at Mallorca last season, operated in the 75th percentile for goal conversion but in the sub-50 percentiles for non-penalty xG and touches in the opposition box. He’s not someone who will spearhead an attack but rather operate in and around the last defender, using his aerial presence as a key threat.

His ability to hold onto the ball has been questionable this season, providing little benefit to Feyenoord’s attacking and possession-based football, scoring zero goals in the league alongside just 152 minutes. Head coach Tonda Eckert will need to find a playstyle that suits him. The German could look to pair him closer to Finn Azaz — a player that Larin could quickly release the ball to, allowing him to dart forward into the space behind the defence.

Could he be the solution?

He’s evidently a confidence player. Now, has Southampton been the place to build confidence over the past few years? No, sadly not. It’s been a toxic atmosphere for the whole club ever since Sport Republic’s takeover.

Their track record hardly inspires faith either. Replacing Adam Armstrong — a proven goalscorer who sits second in the Championship scoring charts — with an unproven 30-year-old represents a significant gamble.

Armstrong’s form, however, has dipped sharply since the turn of the year. His influence has likely been affected by ongoing transfer speculation, and if Southampton look to rely on Ross Stewart, they will be left with a clear void at the top end of the pitch. Larin has the opportunity to fill it, but his recent performances suggest there is little certainty he will succeed.

But we shouldn’t write him off just yet. Larin’s career has shown promise, despite dwindling in recent years. The Saints need fighters and players desperate to make an impression. In that sense, Larin fits.