Saints announce Boufal signing

Southampton have announced the signing of Sofiane Boufal for a club-record undisclosed fee.

The attacking midfielder has agreed a five-year deal to move to St Mary's from Ligue 1 side Lille.

Boufal joined Lille from Angers in January 2015 and during his first full season at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy he made 34 appearances, scoring 12 goals in all competitions, as Lille finished fifth in Ligue 1 and reached 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," Boufal told Southampton'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."

Executive Director of Football Les Reed added: “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."

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