Southampton’s most exciting prospect is not from the youth Academy and not on Ralph Hasenhuttl’s summer transfer wish list. It is the return of loanee Sofiane Boufal.
Moussa Djenepo has been heralded as the first summer addition to the Saints squad. The imminent signing of Birmingham City striker Che Adams is pointing the team in the right direction. Rumours of Celtic dropping interest in David Turnbull have peaked interests of the 19 year old possibly arriving on the south coast. However, as much as Southampton fans are enjoying the early action in the transfer window, the addition who garnishes the most excitement is Sofiane Boufal.
The Saints broke their transfer record signing the Moroccan in 2016 from Lille for 16 million euros. His Southampton highlight reel includes the 2017/18 goal of the season and a match winner in the 2017 EFL Cup against Sunderland that is worth a look if you don’t remember it.
Regardless of his otherworldly technical ability, his mentality and decision-making appear to put Boufal in the manager’s doghouse far too often. Claude Puel deployed him 24 times in Premier League play, allowing him to go the full 90 just twice during the season. He was also sidelined twice with knee injuries, but in a season where your club competed in Europa League and made it to the final of the EFL Cup, one would expect more usage.
Mauricio Pellegrino used Boufal just twice in the first 6 games of the 2017/18 Premier League campaign. Then gave him only 14 starts prior to his sacking, suggesting the two were never on the same page. This spoke volumes of Boufal’s tactical understanding of the system and his role; considering Pellegrino never waved from his trusty 4-2-3-1 which nearly every opponent figured out, yet Boufal could not.
Mark Hughes entered in March 2018 and promptly banished Boufal to the bench. Leaving him out the squad entirely and sending him to train alone for the final 5 games during the relegation battle. The connected reports of an April confrontation confirmed the reason why. With the writing on the wall, Mark Hughes closed the door entirely, and the club sent Boufal off to La Liga and Celta de Vigo. Thus encouraging Southampton fans’ to believe the record breaking signing had some serious growing up to do.
More from Saints Marching
- Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
- Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
- It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
- Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
- A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse
A 35 appearance year with Celta Vigo where Boufal netted 3 goals and 4 assists does not instill a ton of confidence. One can argue a player’s motivation on loan is never the same. However, Saints fans’ were likely expecting more in terms of growth and results. Celta Vigo fans were unimpressed with Boufal’s performance at times, and the club decided against the 13 million option which would have brought him on permanently. None of these signs point toward a positive outlook in Boufal’s return to Southampton.
But Southampton are now led by Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Yes, Boufal is a year older than players the new Saints manager wishes to target. But, Boufal’s technical prowess, especially his ability to run at players, combined with Hasenhuttl’s leadership, adds up to one incredibly intriguing prospect. It is a hypothetical a lot of Southampton fans are gushing for, and likely rooting for. Boufal in a 4-2-2-2 with a ton of freedom and the ability to link up with Djenepo and Redmond makes my mouth water. At the very least it would be some attractive football.
How this will all shake up is still a huge question mark. The club is planning a few quality signings and a number of departures in the next few weeks. Where Boufal fits in amongst a potential increase in attacking options is anyone’s guess. As naturally gifted as he is, Boufal has yet to prove he knows when and where to make a pass and his defence is a consistent problem. Although, the Southampton fan base’s faith in Ralph Hasenhuttl leads many to believe these issues can be solved.
Knowing all the pitfalls and lack of proven professional capability of Sofiane Boufal, fans still believe. The technical talent is on par with any winger in the Premier League, and if he displays maturity, follows Hasenhuttl’s footsteps, stays healthy, and learns his role within multiple systems, then we could have the difference maker we all thought we were getting in 2016. There is a lot stacked against the kid, but he is just 25, and would appear to fit the mold Hasenhuttl is looking for. So here’s hoping we already have invested in the most exciting summer addition to the Southampton squad.