Kamaldeen had the option of choosing between Southampton, Everton and Bundesliga side RB Leipzig but opted for the Saints, a decision heavily influenced by Mohammed Salisu.
“Before he came, obviously in the national team we talked about the Premier League, we talked about everything, but before he came here, he had nothing to do with the decision.”
“I just made a decision and when I got here, he showed me. He is a good person and helped me here,” said Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Kamaldeen Sulemana, 20, completed a €25 million transfer from Stade Rennes to Southampton on transfer deadline day, Tuesday, February 31, 2023.
Speaking on the arrival of the new player, Southampton manager Nathan Jones said he has no doubt that the player will make an immediate impact to help his team.
“This is another positive addition for us this month. We have obviously been keen to add a little more potency to the side, and Kamaldeen is the man to do that for us.
“He is at a stage in his career where we feel he can help us quickly, but also continue to grow and develop in the future,” the Southampton manager said.
To announce the signing, Southampton in an official statement said, “Southampton Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of striker Kamaldeen Sulemana from Rennes, subject to work permit and international clearance.”
Sulemana enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Ligue 1 last season after joining Rennes from Danish club FC Nordsjaelland.