Southampton forward Sékou Mara has insisted he has no intention of leaving Southampton this month, despite reports otherwise.
Mara joined Southampton in a €13m deal from Bordeaux in the summer as part of the Saints focus on young signings for the future.
He’s struggled to establish himself at St Mary’s though, making 14 appearances in the Premier League so far but featuring in just 18% of the available minutes.
He’s also struggled for goals, with him yet to score in the Premier League and his only strike coming in the EFL Cup win over Manchester City earlier this month.
It’s fair to say his time at Southampton has not gone quite to plan as yet, although there is currently no pressure given Mara is only 20 years old and in his first season in England, having spent all of his career in France so far.
A report earlier this month made it clear that three clubs in France had made concrete approaches to Southampton about a potential move, but it seems the player has no interest in it.
“It was a choice I made to leave. I think it was an important step for me to discover the English league,” he told BeIn France, relayed by Girondins 4 Ever.
“The club has a very good project. I was able to speak with the coach who was there before and with the management of the club who frankly proposed a very interesting project for me.
“We have a lot of young people in this team and yes, it’s a choice that I don’t regret at the moment. I am very happy to be here.
“No (I won’t be leaving), I am at the club, and I am progressing. I feel good here. We know that the championship is tight and that we need a few wins to climb up the table.”
