Southampton: Real Sociedad join the race to sign Saints winger

A lot was expected of Mohamed Elyounoussi when Southampton brought him to the Premier League for around £16m back in 2016.

Saints had just lost Dusan Tadic to Ajax and were on the look out for a wide man who could provide creativity and goals that were lost as the Serbian moved on.

So far, it hasn’t worked out for him and he joined Scottish giants Celtic on a season-long loan deal back in August 2019

His early season form saw him become a key player for the Hoops and they are said to be keen to sign him permanently, but now it appears that another team have joined the race for his signature.

According to Football Insider, Real Sociedad want to take him to Spain to give him a fresh start in his career if he is to leave Saints.

The report also states that Saints are willing to listen to offers for the Norway international, although it remains to be seen whether he will be given another chance to impress by Ralph Hasenhuttl.

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• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
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• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

It is important not to judge Elyounoussi on his short spell with Saints alone. Looking back on his performances for previous clubs shows you his potential as a creative force in a major league.

285 career appearances for Sarpsborg 08, Molde FK, FC Basel, Saints and Celtic have seen him score 90 goals and lay on 55 assists for his teammates.

At 25-year-old, it is perhaps fair to say that he is yet to reach the peak of career.

However, the next step for him will be producing the same scoring and assisting rates in a major league. The Norwegian, Swiss and Scottish leagues cannot be classed as big enough stages for him just yet.

Elyounoussi has definitely shown glimpses of his talent in the Champions League and Europa League, but it is consistent league football that he needs at the highest level.

It is therefore important for him to either start producing when he returns to Saints for next season or with a transfer to the equally competitive La Liga.