Lille enquire about Southampton’s Sékou Mara | OneFootball

According to Foot Mercato, Girondins de Bordeaux academy graduate and current Southampton player Sékou Mara (21) could be interested in a loan move this winter, to better his chances of being selected for the summer Olympic games.

Mara had a thrilling second half to the 21/22 Ligue 1 season, notably scoring five goals in the last seven games of the season. An excellent string of form, which saw him get his first call-ups with the France under-21 squad, scoring one goal. He then went on to join the Saints in a transfer worth €11.5M, playing 30 games in his first season with the team and scoring two goals, both of which came against Manchester City.

Lille, Marseille and several Bundesliga clubs all keeping an eye on Mara

Off of that promising first season, many expected the striker to finally find his rhythm in England, especially with Southampton’s relegation to the Championship. However, that hasn’t been the case, as Mara has struggled to find game time, not starting a single game this season.

It would therefore arrange both parties to find a loan move this winter, especially with Mara not lacking in the suitor department. Indeed, Lille have reportedly enquired about the Frenchman, with Marseille and some Bundesliga sides also among interested clubs. The 21-year-old could serve as an excellent substitute option for Jonathan David (23) at LOSC, who don’t currently have another pure striker in their squad.

Following a failed move to Werder Bremen last winter, this window could finally be the time that Mara finds some proper game time elsewhere.

GFFN | Alfred Lalande