Mohamed Elyounoussi’s move to Besiktas is set to be confirmed this week, according to Fanatik, and this should come as a boost for Saints.
The winger is surplus to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s requirements, and as such, he is set to spend the season in Turkey.
Fanatik reports that after initially demanding a loan fee worth €1.5 million for Elyounoussi, Southampton have agreed to accept €500,000, with the player now poised to join Besiktas this week.
Read Southampton’s verdict
News that Elyounoussi is finally nearing an exit, after some weeks of speculation, is positive for Saints. While a straight sale may have been preferred, it is good to see that Hasenhuttl’s squad is still being trimmed.
The 25-year-old has failed to make an impression here. He didn’t score nor assist a single goal last season, and it comes as no surprise to see that we are happy to let him depart, even for lower financial terms than what we had reportedly demanded initially.
Elyounoussi may be well suited to Super Lig football. Attackers – notably at top clubs – tend to get a plethora of chances in the final third, and it could be a good opportunity for the Norway international to revitalise himself and regain his confidence in front of goal.
Perhaps at the end of his loan in Turkey, Saints will be able to recoup a significant chunk of the £16 million that they paid FC Basel to sign him.
