Southampton sign Boufal for club-record fee

Rob Conlon

Southampton have completed the signing of Lille attacking midfielder Sofiane Boufal for a club-record fee.

Morocco international Boufal has signed a five-year deal at St Mary’s in a deal which could cost around £21million.

The 22-year-old scored 12 goals in 34 appearances for Lille last season, helping the side reach the final of the Coupe de la Ligue.

“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,” he told the club’s official website.

“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.”

Boufal has become Saints’ sixth signing of the summer but is currently sidelined with a knee injury.