Southampton have announced the club-record signing of Sofiane Boufal from Lille on a five-year deal.
The fee has not been disclosed, but according to reports, the Saints have parted with around £16m for the 22-year-old attacking midfielder.
Boufal caught the eye at Lille as he made 34 appearances and scored 12 goals in all competitions during his first full season at the club following his January 2015 transfer from Angers.
Sofiane's a Saint! 😇#SaintSofiane https://t.co/Td6D8EO1Rd
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 29, 2016
"I'm very, very happy to sign for Southampton and I am really excited to play in St Mary's Stadium in front of the fans," said Boufal.
"Southampton showed big interest in signing me, and I can see that this club is the best place for me to continue my progression as a footballer.
"I hope I can achieve many great things with Southampton. It is a very good club, with excellent facilities, and I feel it is the perfect environment to continue my development."
Executive director of football Les Reed added: "I'm absolutely delighted to welcome Sofiane to Southampton Football Club. He has shown his undoubted qualities in France over the past few seasons, and we are extremely confident he will successfully adapt to life in the Premier League.
"Sofiane is a player we have watched develop closely over the last few years, and we're thrilled to have him join the club ahead of what promises to be a very exciting season, with Europa League football on the horizon. His excellent campaign with Lille last season meant a number of clubs were pursuing him to secure his services, but we're delighted that Sofiane sees Southampton as the best place for him to continue his development.
"Saints fans may have to wait for a few weeks yet to see him demonstrate his skills, as Sofiane had a delayed start to his pre-season training and will be working very hard with our fitness staff to get up to full match fitness."
Boufal began his career at Angers, making his senior debut in 2012.
Danielle Joynson
