Griffit: Southampton have one of Europe’s rising stars

Southampton have signed one of the biggest rising stars in European football after putting pen to paper on a deal for Sofiane Boufal, that’s according to former Saints midfielder Leandre Griffit.

Boufal may not be a name too familiar with Premier League fans but Griffit insists the attacking midfielder has the X-Factor and possesses all of the ingredients to be a star this season in England’s top-flight.

The 22-year-old joined in a club-record deal from French club Lille during the final week of the transfer window, as Saints beat off interest from a host of clubs from around Europe for his signature.

(Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)

Boufal lit up Ligue 1 last year and Griffit, who played for Southampton between 2003 and 2005, can’t wait to see the midfielder strut his stuff at St Mary’s.

“Sofiane Boufal had so many clubs interested in him,” said the Frenchman. “I know that through some contacts in France.

“Even a team like Barcelona were interested in the beginning of 2016, so if they were thinking of him then you know he is a good player. I know a lot of teams in the Premier League also wanted to buy him too.

“In France, he has been playing for Lille, and some people there were watching Lille’s games because of him – as simple as that.

“Last year was really his first year of playing many games in Ligue 1. He scores goals, he provides assists, he has good speed, and he’s kind of strong, even though he’s not so big. After maybe two months he was already the key player for Lille.”