Why Southampton should hold onto Mohamed Elyounoussi
According to news outlet Todo Fichajes (h/t Daily Record), Southampton winger Mohamed Elyounoussi is on the radar of Real Sociedad.
The 25-year-old winger has emerged as a surprise summer transfer target for the La Liga side, who are currently 4th in the league table. Elyounoussi, who arrived at Southampton in 2018 for £16m, recently returned to the side after a loan spell with Scottish champions Celtic.
The Norwegian, who featured 19 times for the Saints last season, was sent on a season-long loan deal after failing to impress for them in his maiden campaign. However, he turned out to be an instant hit at Celtic Park, scoring 7 goals and 6 assists despite featuring just 20 times.
Had it not been for the foot injury that Elyounoussi sustained midway through the season, he would have made even more appearances for Celtic, considering the form that he was in.
Southampton should offer Elyounoussi more chances
Despite featuring in fewer matches, Elyounoussi managed to impress at Celtic, giving a clear indication of his talent and potential. In fact, he had already proved himself at his former side Basel, which earned him a move to St Mary’s.
In his 84 appearances across all competitions for the Swiss outfit, Elyounoussi racked up 23 goals and 30 assists. Unlike his maiden campaign at Southampton, where he failed to score or assist even once, the Norwegian seemed to have found his form back after moving to Celtic.
With the player establishing himself at such short notice, Sociedad have now shown an interest in him, proving that he is a talent gone unnoticed. Southampton, like Sociedad, must realise this and keep him with them rather than send him out once again.
The Saints should rather keep some faith in their talented winger and offer him more chances to prove his potential. Having proved himself at Basel and Celtic, Elyounoussi can also give the likes of Southampton wingers Sofiane Boufal, Moussa Djenepo, and Nathan Redmond a run for their money if he performs.
Hence, they should keep away from selling the Norwegian, amidst interest from Spain.
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Verdict
Having proved himself at Celtic this season, Southampton should once again offer Elyounoussi more chances this season. Moreover, his inclusion will offer manager Ralph Hasenhuttl plenty of options in the attack next season. Also, he is just 25 and still has plenty of football left in him. A proven performer in the past, he will be raring to prove a point, which, in turn, could help Southampton.
