---
title: "Southampton: Sofiane Boufal dismisses exit talk"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/southampton-sofiane-boufal-dismisses-saints-exit-rumours/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Callum Pragnell"
section: "Premier League"
published: "2019-08-22T18:25:51Z"
modified: "2019-08-22T18:25:51Z"
---

# Southampton: Sofiane Boufal dismisses exit talk

**Southampton winger Sofiane Boufal has ruled out a move away from the club, amid speculation that he could be leaving St Mary’s, via [Goal](https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/boufal-rules-out-southampton-exit-after-transfer-speculation/1bfd5p2is6ot51k438il72obt7).**

The Moroccan international has shown flashes of potential at Southampton since arriving from Lille in 2016 for £16m – [notably, his wonder goal against West Brom back in 2017/18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCWMDjapZnA) – but has struggled to nail down a consistent spot in the Saints’ starting-eleven.

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/THE-BREAKDOWN.png)

The 25-year-old was sent out on loan to Celta Vigo for the entirety of last season, [scoring three goals and providing a further four assists](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/sofiane-boufal/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/232271/plus/0?saison=2018&verein=&liga=&wettbewerb=&pos=&trainer_id=) for the La Liga outfit during his time in Spain, but has now returned to his parent club, prominently featuring for them throughout pre-season.

The wide man [scored on his return against Feyenoord in July](https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/sofiane-boufal-scores-on-southampton-return/21ihr33fvheg1bmhhkil9c2up), and came off the bench for the final 17 minutes of Saints’ season opener against Burnley – a game which the southerners lost 3-0. He is also expected to be included in manager Ralph Hasenhuttl’s 18-man squad for the club’s trip to Brighton this Saturday.

Taking to Twitter to deny the rumours surrounding his potential exit, Boufal today tweeted:

“I want to deny any information about a possible transfer this summer, I’m 100% focused on my club, Southampton, ready and motivated to make a good season and help the club #comeonsaints”

> Je tiens à démentir toutes informations concernant un éventuel transfert cet été , je suis à 100% focus sur mon club de [@Southamptonfc](https://twitter.com/SouthamptonFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) prêt et motivé à faire une bonne saison et à aider le club [#comeonsaints](https://twitter.com/hashtag/comeonsaints?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ⏳💪🏽 [pic.twitter.com/3NmpCS634g](https://t.co/3NmpCS634g)
>
> — sofiane boufal (@sosoboufal19) [21 August 2019](https://twitter.com/sosoboufal19/status/1164274617969795074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Verdict.png)

Although he has struggled with consistency at Southampton, Boufal’s talent is undeniable. Indeed, last season at Celta Vigo, he averaged more dribbles per game ([4.1](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/234363/History/Sofiane-Boufal)) than anyone in the Saints squad and would have ranked fourth in their current squad for shots per game ([1.5](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/234363/History/Sofiane-Boufal)), so would clearly make an impact on the team if he can replicate those numbers.

***Does Boufal need more of a chance? Join the discussion by commenting below…***