Southampton complete their SIXTH summer signing with the £11m capture of Bordeaux striker Sekou Mara
Southampton complete their SIXTH summer signing after sealing the £11m capture of France under-21 striker Sekou Mara from Bordeaux
- Southampton complete the £11million signing of Sekou Mara from Bordeaux
- Mara is a French under-21 international and becomes the Saints’ sixth signing
- The striker has put pen to paper over a four-year deal at the Premier League side
- In 26 games for Bordeaux last season, Mara scored six goals and assisted twice
- The Saints have also had a £16m bid for Manchester City’s Liam Delap rejected
Southampton have completed their sixth summer signing after confirming the capture of France under-21 striker Sékou Mara from Bordeaux.
An £11m deal, including add-ons, was agreed between the clubs for the 19 year-old last week and Mara’s move to St Mary’s on a four-year deal has now been sealed, subject to international clearance, after he passed a medical and all paperwork was finalised.
Mara was a wanted man after displaying his potential last season, a breakout campaign at senior level for the youngster, scoring six goals in just eight starts and a further 18 substitute appearances for Bordeaux.
Sekou Mara joins Southampton in an £11million deal as the Saints sixth signing of the summer
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhüttl said: ‘Sékou is coming here to score goals and has shown in the French league he can do this, now he needs to work hard and show he can do this in the Premier League.
‘He is a young guy who will need time to adapt to a new country and a new league, but we are excited about his potential and what he can become in the future.’
Mara said: ‘I’m really happy to sign for Southampton and to be a Saint for the next years. Southampton have given me a good opportunity to progress.
The French under-21 striker scored six times for Bordeaux last season and assisted twice
‘I’m a young player and I have to work. I think Southampton is the best club for me to develop myself and progress to be one of the best. I’m impatient to begin with this team and score goals.’
Mara follows goalkeepers Gavin Bazunu and Mateusz Lis, centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap and midfielders Romeo Lavia and Joe Aribo to Southampton this summer.
They are keen to add another striker and saw a £16m bid for Manchester City’s Liam Delap rejected.
City have high hopes for Delap and do not want to sell the 19 year-old though are open to letting him go out on loan to gain further experience.
Southampton have also been linked with another City prospect, winger Sam Edozie, 19, who has been the subject of interest from Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have already had a £16m bid rejected for Manchester City’s Liam Delap
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