Rennes forward Kamaldeen Sulemana has chosen Southampton over Premier League rivals Everton with L’Equipe reporting that Nathan Jones’ side will pay £22 million for the Ghana winger.
Ironically enough, The Toffees only turned to Sulemana after seeing their deal for then-Villarreal forward Arnaut Danjuma hi-jacked by Tottenham Hotspur. History now looks likely to repeat itself too; the one-time Nordsjaelland wonderkid opting for the South Coast rather than Goodison Park.
That is according to L’Equipe reporter Emery Taisne, and backed up by Sky Sports (11.53am).
Both Everton and Southampton had £22 million bids accepted by Stade de Rennais. Sulemana is opting for the latter over the former, however, and should give a goal-shy Saints side an added injection of speed and skill in the final third.
Kamaldeen Sulemana wants to join Southampton rather than Everton
Sulemana, an old-school dribbler, has been likened to Sadio Mane and Allan Saint-Maximin. Nordsjaelland chief Flemming Pederson drew comparisons with a certain Brazilian superstar back in 2021 too, while confirming interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and Ajax in the then-19-year-old starlet.
“He is extraordinary,” Pedersen says.
“We are talking about a player with potential on a par with Neymar. And maybe even more than that, because he’s even faster (than PSG’s number ten).”
He’s faster than everyone, it seems. Not just Neymar. Sulemana was clocked as the quickest player at the Qatar World Cup. The youngster’s end product needs some work, however; his brain not yet as rapid as his feet. Sulemana, in 20 appearances this season, has just one goal and two assists to his name.
“He’s a very good dribbler,” adds Ghana team-mate Alexander Djiku. “(Sulemana) creates a lot of uncertainty with the ball. It forces you to stay focused and attentive (as a defender).
“He reminds me of Allan Saint-Maximin. He exudes power and speed rarely seen, while handling the ball perfectly with both feet, also using his body a lot.”
In what could be a disappointing deadline day for Everton and new manager Sean Dyche, The Toffees also appear to have missed out on Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo and Union Berlin speedster Sheraldo Becker.
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