Saints have confirmed that Sofiane Boufal has left the club on a free transfer rather than the expected loan deal, the Moroccan has rejoined his first club French side Angers.
The 27-year-old has made the switch to the Ligue 1 team on a free transfer, with Saints retaining a sell-on fee clause, which means that they might get something in the future, however perhaps more importantly it has freed up wages that can be used elsewhere.
Boufal certainly had the talent, but he was never able to use it with the consistency needed at this level, no one could accuse him of not trying, but he was a luxury player at a time when Saints could not afford that in a side that was struggling.
In his first season he made an impact and no one can doubt the magic of his solo goal against West Brom, a goal that went a long way to ensuring the club stayed up in that season, but only 3 goals in the Premier League during his spell here was not good enough at this level.
Boufal's contract at St Mary's was due to end next summer, so getting a fee for him was going to be hard, but the saving in wages will be vital and the sell on clause means we might get something in the future.