Le Mans linked with Southampton midfielder Daouda Traore

French-Senegalese midfielder Daouda Traore is being linked with a move from Southampton U21 to Le Mans FC, with the Ligue 1 club reportedly interested in the 20-year-old.

Traore returned to Southampton’s development side on 30 June after completing a loan spell at Italian club Bari. He made nine appearances in Serie B during the 2025-26 season, playing 336 minutes, before returning to England.

The central midfielder joined Southampton from OGC Nice B in August 2024 in a deal worth €700,000. He has since spent time on loan with Valenciennes, Betis Deportivo and Bari, having also made a senior Ligue 1 appearance earlier in his career.

Traore was born in Ivry-sur-Seine and holds French and Senegalese nationality. He is listed at 1.88m and is right-footed.

The reported interest from Le Mans would represent another potential move for a player who has spent much of his Southampton career away from the club on loan. Southampton U21 are listed in Premier League 2, while Le Mans are competing in Ligue 1.

Traore’s current market value is listed at €400,000. He remains a Southampton U21 player, with no transfer confirmed.