Southampton complete signing of France U21 forward Sekou Mara, as starlet makes bold claim

Southampton have captured France U21 international Sekou Mara from Bordeaux on a four-year contract, and the new signing has already made an ambitious claim.

Mara had a host of suitors around Europe and in the Premier League. According to Sky Sports, Leeds, Newcastle and Borussia Monchengladbach have all been keeping tabs on him.

But Southampton have won the transfer race by announcing his arrival from Ligue 1 club Bordeaux. The young striker’s contract with the Saints will keep him at St Mary’s until June 2026.

This comes after Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team agreed terms with Bordeaux for his move on Thursday.

The Daily Mail state Mara’s transfer to the south coast is worth £11million, which includes add-ons.

During an interview with club media, Mara revealed his dream is to become ‘one of the best’ in the Premier League.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Hasenhuttl ‘excited’ about Sekou Mara potential

Hasenhuttl added: “Sekou 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 will compete with Adam Armstrong and Che Adams for a starting place up front. The Saints relied on Armando Broja in attack last season but he is now back at parent club Chelsea.

Mara has good pedigree, having played for both the France U21 and U20 teams during his short career. He made his Bordeaux debut in February 2021 and went on to score seven goals for the side in 36 matches.