Southampton new signing Daouda Traore makes his debut after loan move

Southampton have been one of the most active Premier League teams in this summer transfer window and have made several additions to their squad after achieving promotion to the Premier League through the Championship playoffs. On the other hand, many players have departed Russell Martin's side on a permanent transfer as well as on a season long loan move. One of them is 18-year-old midfielder Daouda Traore, who joined the Saints from French club Nice on the final day of the transfer window. 

Traore has been turning heads with his performances for Nice’s youth teams in the recent seasons. His impressive displays were rewarded with two first team appearances for Nice last season as well. Therefore, several teams in Europe's top five leagues were interested in signing him, however, Southampton won the race to secure the signature of the promising box-to-box midfielder.

Southampton new signing Daouda Traore makes his debut after loan move

After signing him, Southampton decided to send him on a season long loan move to French third division side Valenciennes, who have the same owners as the Saints. Announcing this move, Southampton said,

"Having completed the move, Daouda Traore will now head back to his homeland to spend the 2024/25 campaign with Valenciennes in France’s Championnat National.

We look forward to monitoring Daouda’s progress with Valenciennes and welcome him to the Southampton and Sport Republic family."

- Southampton

Recently, Traore made his debut for Valenciennes in a 3-1 win over Chateauroux in the third league matchday. Traore came on as a second half substitute around the hour mark with the score level at 1-1 and helped them have more possession of the match in his first appearance. Valenciennes started to advance forward down the pitch and managed to scored two last minute goals to complete their third win in the league. 

Thus, Traore is expected to continue his impressive displays and become a quality first team player for Southampton when he returns from his loan move next season.