Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl will welcome Sofiane Boufal back from his loan spell at Celta Vigo as he is keen to assess him ahead of the 2019/20 campaign, according to Spanish news outlet El Desmarque

The Moroccan winger was sent out to the La Liga club this season following a bust-up with Mark Hughes towards the end of last term. 

Boufal failed to develop consistency for Celta during his stint at the club as they unexpectedly fought for their top-flight status down at the bottom of the table, but he did impress with some moments of magic. 

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The former Lille star’s displays have not ‘displeased’ the Spanish club, El Desmarque reports, but as a consequence of Southampton’s asking price set at €15 million, a permanent move appears unlikely. 

Hasenhuttl has not yet had the chance to work with Boufal, and before deciding on his future, it seems the winger will be closely monitored in pre-season. 

Boufal has scored four goals for Southampton following his £16 million transfer to the club in 2016.


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