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Making the Grade: Southampton Transfer Window Summer 2016

By Aaron Preston

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Preimer Leauge footballs on the ptich prior to kick off during the Premier League match between Southampton and Sunderland at St Mary's Stadium on August 27, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Preimer Leauge footballs on the ptich prior to kick off during the Premier League match between Southampton and Sunderland at St Mary's Stadium on August 27, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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In: Jérémy Pied

Guingamp’s French defender Jeremy Pied (L) vies with Lyon’s French midfielder Corentin Tolisso during the French L1 football match between Guingamp and Lyon on April 4, 2015 at the Roudourou stadium in Guingamp, western of France. AFP PHOTO / FRED TANNEAU (Photo credit should read FRED TANNEAU/AFP/Getty Images)
Guingamp’s French defender Jeremy Pied (L) vies with Lyon’s French midfielder Corentin Tolisso during the French L1 football match between Guingamp and Lyon on April 4, 2015 at the Roudourou stadium in Guingamp, western of France. AFP PHOTO / FRED TANNEAU (Photo credit should read FRED TANNEAU/AFP/Getty Images) /

Position: Right-Back

Purchased From: OGC Nice (Ligue 1)

Fee: N/A (Free Transfer)

Jérémy Pied made the transition to Southampton alongside his boss at Nice, Claude Puel; he was one of a handful of players including Hatem Ben Arfa who were rumoured to be considering the move. While he was the only one who ended up doing so, the move was still considered a coup of sorts, bringing in a competent rotation back to relieve Cédric when needed.

Unfortunately, things didn’t quite work out for the 27 year old Frenchman. A serious knee injury has put Pied’s season—and future—in doubt. It’s a frustrating, crushing blow to what could otherwise have been one of the better moves the Board made this summer.

Grade: 4/10. While the free transfer was a great move, recent circumstances force us to deduct points.

In: Sofiane Boufal

LILLE – AUGUST 7: Sofiane Boufal of Lille and Blaise Matuidi of PSG in action during the French Ligue 1 match between Lille OSC (LOSC) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Grand Stade Pierre Mauroy on August 7, 2015 in Lille, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
LILLE – AUGUST 7: Sofiane Boufal of Lille and Blaise Matuidi of PSG in action during the French Ligue 1 match between Lille OSC (LOSC) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Grand Stade Pierre Mauroy on August 7, 2015 in Lille, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images) /

Position: Attacking Midfield/Winger

Purchased DFrom: OSC Lille (Ligue 1)

Fee: Undisclosed, rumoured £16-20m

Sofiane Boufal was Southampton’s much-awaited marquee signing, a key attacking player to replace the void left by Mane and Pelle. Coming in for a record fee, the 22 year old Moroccan was good for 12 goals in 34 appearances with Lille last season.

Since his signing, manager Claude Puel and executive director of football Les Reed have both spoken highly of Boufal, as have former Southampton players. While he has yet to play in the Premier League, it is clear that Boufal enjoys the vote of confidence of those closest to the club and should factor heavily in the campaign to come.

Grade: 10/10