According to French magazine Le10 Sport, via Sport Witness, Southampton forward Sofiane Boufal could be a summer target for Ligue 1 outfit Nice.
What’s the word, then?
Well, Le 10 Sport, via Sport Witness, says that the French club are ready to bring the winger back to France following a difficult two-year spell at St Mary’s, where he has struggled to make an impression or establish himself as a regular in the starting XI.
The Morocco international was left out of the 18 for the 2-1 win against Bournemouth on Saturday having been banished to train on his own by manager Mark Hughes, having refused to warm up when requested to when he was a substitute against Chelsea last month – an incident that angered Saints fans on Twitter.
That incident is likely to have pushed the 24-year-old closer to the exit door, although Le10 Sport, via Sport Witness, suggest that a loan deal would be the only way he goes to Nice because of the financial implications of a permanent move.
How has Boufal done this season?
Following a tough first campaign at St Mary’s in which he was always playing catch up having missed pre-season because of injury, the Moroccan would have been hoping for better this time around, but it hasn’t proven to be the case.
The 24-year-old has once again struggled to become a regular fixture in the XI under either Mauricio Pellegrino or Mark Hughes this term, and when he has been on the pitch he has often failed to produce the goods –his brilliant solo goal against West Bromwich Albion in November aside.
In total, he has four goals and three assists in 59 appearances for Saints, and the latest incident with Hughes could mean that he never gets the chance to add to that tally.
Should Southampton sell him this summer?
They probably should, yes.
In two seasons Boufal has failed to make the required impact that would have been expected of him, and now doubts will have been raised over his attitude and mentality.
Southampton would be better off cashing in on the 24-year-old to end what has been a nightmare spell for both parties, although a loan could also be an option whichever division they find themselves in next season.
