Saints Marching
Fansided

Southampton: High profile Saints on loan – the story so far

By Nikos Lemanis

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: Sofiane Boufal of Southampton takes a look around the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St. James Park on March 10, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: Sofiane Boufal of Southampton takes a look around the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St. James Park on March 10, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 16: Sofiane Boufal of Southampton is presented with the Carling Premier League Awards Goal of the Month award for October at Staplewood Complex on November 16, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 16: Sofiane Boufal of Southampton is presented with the Carling Premier League Awards Goal of the Month award for October at Staplewood Complex on November 16, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /

Sofiane Boufal

Another marquee signing at the time, Sofiane Boufal finds himself at high-flying Celta Vigo this season.

Boufal suffered an injury over the summer, and sadly missed Celta’s pre-season visit to St. Mary’s. However he recovered for the start of the season and has featured off the bench in all three matches so far.

Although he may also still be lacking match fitness, the early season form of Brais Méndez, Pione Sisto and Iago Aspas have prevented him from breaking into the first team so far. Boufal has only clocked up 38 minutes of game time in the first three matches, and will certainly want more opportunities in the coming weeks.

After the international break Celta travel to Girona for the first of three matches in ten days. This may be the first real requirement for squad rotation, and a great opportunity for Boufal to show his new manager what he can do.

Having given fans a couple of glorious moments in his patchy Southampton career, I’m sure most would like to see him mature this season then return to the club a more rounded player.

Sadly, despite his skill and potential, it may be his temperament and work ethic that will prevent him extending his time on the south coast.