The Saints are splashing money in the transfer market.

Premier League side Southampton have confirmed signing Lille attacking-midfielder Sofiane Boufal for an undisclosed club-record fee. The club announced the signing on their official website and social media accounts.

The Moroccan international made 34 appearances for Lille and scored 12 goals in all competitions as the French side finished fifth in the league. He also steered the Stade Pierre-Mauroy outfit to the final of the Coupe de la Ligue but lost 2-1 to Paris Saint-Germain. Saints’ Executive Director of Football Les Reed told the club’s official website:

“I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Sofiane to Southampton Football Club.

“He has shown his undoubted qualities in France over the past few seasons, and we are extremely confident he will successfully adapt to life in the Premier League.

“Sofiane is a player we have watched develop closely over the last few years, and we’re thrilled to have him join the club ahead of what promises to be a very exciting season, with Europa League football on the horizon.

“His excellent campaign with Lille last season meant a number of clubs were pursuing him to secure his services, but we’re delighted that Sofiane sees Southampton as the best place for him to continue his development.

“Saints fans may have to wait for a few weeks yet to see him demonstrate his skills, as Sofiane had a delayed start to his pre-season training and will be working very hard with our fitness staff to get up to full match fitness.

“At just 22 years of age, he will undoubtedly continue to improve as a player, and we’re very pleased that he will be able to make that progression with us here at Southampton.”

Boufal celebrates one of his previous goals for LilleBoufal celebrates one of his previous goals for Lille

The 22-year-old started his professional career with Angers where he made 46 league appearances and scored four goals between 2012 and 2015. He then moved to Lille where he made 43 appearances and scored 14 goals in the league between 2015 and 2016. Southampton will be the first club he has played for outside France. The youngster also has two international caps for Morocco, but is yet to score a goal for the Atlas Lions. Speaking moments after his transfer, he said;

“I’m very, very happy to sign for Southampton and I am really excited to play in St Mary’s Stadium in front of the fans.

“Southampton showed big interest in signing me, and I can see that this club is the best place for me to continue my progression as a footballer

“I hope I can achieve many great things with Southampton. It is a very good club, with excellent facilities, and I feel it is the perfect environment to continue my development.”

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Southampton 1 - 1 Sunderland

August 27, 2016 10:00amSt. Mary's Stadium (Southampton, Hampshire)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

Live TV coverage and streaming in United States

DIRECTV
NBC Sports App
Premier League Extra Time
TalkSport International

Follow the game on-the-go

Download our iOS and Android apps to follow on-the-go. It comes packed with features - live scores, fixtures, results, tables, line-ups, stats, TV schedule and much more! Sorry, no live streaming within the app.

Live Soccer TV App for iOS Live Soccer TV App for Android