Southampton may not have been overly busy in terms of incomings on transfer deadline day, but the deal they did complete was a big one, and they did let a few players, like Sofiane Boufal, depart too.
It was with the Saints back during the 2005/06 season when Theo Walcott first broke onto the scene as a 16-year-old. He made 25 appearances for the club that term, scoring five goals, and it wasn’t long before Arsenal came knocking. Incredibly, Walcott was even included in England’s 2006 World Cup squad, although he didn’t make it on to the pitch during the tournament.
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Since then, he has played almost 400 times for the Gunners, appeared 47 times for the Three Lions and also played for Everton. He joins the Saints on a season-long loan.
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There were also several departures during the final 24 hours of the window, with Guido Carrillo, Wesley Hoedt and Boufal all departing. The latter, in particular, will be missed by the fans, with many still remembering his stunning goal against West Brom during the 2017/18 season. The £7.2m-valued man (as per Transfermarkt) has joined Angers on a year-long loan, but with this being the last term of his contract, he is unlikely to return to the south coast.
The fans took to Twitter to share their disappointment at his departure, and you can see some of the best comments from the social media platform below.
Gutted it hasn’t worked out for Boufal here. In terms of talent he’s one of the best I’ve seen at this club, and his goal vs West Brom will live with me forever. All the best at Angers @sosoboufal19 #SaintsFC
— Gary Dabbs (@SaintDabbsie) October 5, 2020
honestly gutted.
— hg (@HarryGeddess) October 5, 2020
Gutted we couldn’t get him to work out. Could have been a legend.
— Badders (@Badders15653431) October 5, 2020
This deeply saddens me… our most creative, exciting and talented player. Such a shame.
— Chrissy Chandler (@c_chandler7) October 5, 2020
Absolutely shocking!!! This year was his year
— Jamie Barrett (@jamie_4321) October 5, 2020
The cast is too short to borrow everyone. it was Lemina, Carrilo, Hoedt and now Boufal. Stupid board.
— Matheus (@MattRyakos) October 6, 2020
Let us know what you think!
