Southampton have confirmed Sofiane Boufal will join Celta Vigo on a season-long loan deal on July 20th.
The Morroccan international joined the South Coast club from Lille in 2016, signing a five-year deal. He has struggled to replicate his Ligue 1 form in the Premier League and managed only two goals and two assists in 26 league appearances last season.
After Mark Hughes replaced Mauricio Pellegrino in March, the 24-year-old went on to make only two more appearances for the Saints. The forward wanted to leave the club as he did not feature regularly under the former Manchester City manager.
Mundo Deportivo have a small article on why Boufal chose the move and quote him saying: “I like happy football.”
The footballer went on to admit that he struggled at Southampton last season. He even stressed he’s dreamed of playing in La Liga because the football in Spain is better suited for his characteristics than in England.
“Although this last year has not gone well for me in England, I am also able to succeed. The Spanish league is better adapted to my characteristics, a more technical football is practiced. I like happy football.”
On helping the team while defending, he said: “I do not mind working to help my teammates defend. I am a player who likes to sacrifice for the team, you have to know how to play with the ball, but also without it.”
