Idrissa Gueye Set for Premier League Move as Southampton Step Up Interest
By BBC Sport Africa
Senegalese international Idrissa Gueye is on the verge of securing a long-awaited move to the Premier League, with Southampton leading the race for his signature.
The 25-year-old Lille midfielder has long expressed his desire to play in England, and that ambition looks set to become reality during the current transfer window. According to La Voix du Nord, Gueye’s transfer to Southampton is gathering pace, with Ligue 1 side Lille expected to finalise the deal in the coming days.
The Saints view Gueye as the ideal replacement for French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, who is widely expected to leave St Mary’s this summer. Southampton are reportedly prepared to pay around €9.5 million (£6.7 million) to secure the services of the tough-tackling, energetic midfielder.
“There are contacts, there will be offers, and we’ll have to study everything and see what suits me best,” Gueye recently told La Voix du Nord. “I want an offer that helps me grow, take a step forward, and matches my ambitions. Everyone knows England is a league that attracts me, though I’m not closed to other leagues either.”
Gueye, who came through the youth system at Lille and has been a first-team regular since 2010, has impressed with his relentless work rate, defensive discipline, and ability to transition play from midfield. His performances for both club and country have drawn interest from across Europe, but Southampton now appear to be in pole position.
The move would mark a significant milestone in Gueye’s career and fulfil a long-standing personal goal. For Lille, the sale also aligns with their broader strategy to balance the books while giving players the opportunity to grow beyond Ligue 1.
With personal terms and final negotiations reportedly close to completion, Gueye could soon join a growing list of African stars making their mark in the English top flight.