On the final day of the transfer window, Southampton were involved in negotiations with Rangers to send Samuel Edozie on a season long loan to the Scottish side. Therefore, the Saints were monitoring the transfer market to sign a quality left winger to replace Edozie. Thus, Southampton decided to sign West Ham forward Maxwel Cornet on a season long loan move to bolster their attack.
This move is surprising as Cornet has had two inconsistent seasons with West Ham in the Premier League where he has struggled for form and fitness as well as playing time. Previously, Cornet starred for French club Lyon in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons where he reached the semi finals of the UEFA Champions League. He produced an impressive performance against Manchester City in the quarter finals of the Champions League that season, scoring a goal in the 3-1 win to help Lyon advance to the semi final.
Maxwel Cornet talks about joining Southampton on a loan transfer
Then Cornet joined Burnley in 2021 and was a brilliant signing for them as he scored nine goals in his debut season in the Premier League. Although he has struggled in the English top flight after that season, Cornet has a great pace and his clever dribbling makes him a huge goal scoring option for Southampton. Now, signing for the Saints, Cornet expressed his excitement saying,
"I had a chat with the manager. The way that he spoke to me was really good and he convinced me to change my club and I am really happy.Maxwel Cornet
I asked Flynn about the club and the training ground before I joined. He told me everything is amazing so I said, 'Okay, let's go."
Manager Russell Martin and his former West Ham teammate Flynn Downes convinced him to sign for Southampton and his addition brings more quality to the Southampton squad. After the international break, Cornet will be a key player for Russell Martin's side as they face Manchester United in the Premier League.