Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott is highly optimistic about Kamaldeen Sulemana living up to expectations at Southampton after sealing a permanent switch on the transfer deadline day.
Sulemana completed a deadline day move worth £25m from Rennes to the English side, joining countryman, Mohammed Salisu who has spent some three seasons with the Saints.
Southampton over the years, have grown into a staple and internationally-renowned English top-flight side for their brand of football and performances. However, they have seen their fortunes take a downturn this season.
The Saints are currently bottom of the table with four wins in 22 matches. They have fired two coaches this season already; Chris Hassenhuttl and Nathan Jones, as Ruben Selles takes an interim role, and with some 15 games to go, Lescott believes Kamaldeen will look to thrive.
“It is tough [playing for a club battling relegation]. There’ll be an expectation, but I’m sure the expectation the club and everyone else puts on him won’t be the same as he puts on himself. I’m sure he expects and hopes to do well, so hopefully that’s the case for him,” Lescott explained.
Kamaldeen joined Rennes in 2021 for €9m, and played 47 matches for them including the current 2022/23 season, where he struggled for games after his return from injury.
Nonetheless, some Ghanaians have berated him for his decision to join the Saints for playing time, as Southampton is threatened with the fate of relegation. But Lescott believes Kamaldeen swapping France for England will be beneficial for his long-term career.
“It’s not a short term project. They haven’t signed him just for the last six months of the season. The model that Southampton are using is similar to that of Dortmund, in regards to trying to recruit younger players to try develop them so I’m sure that’s the case with him and sure he just wants to play.
“The opportunity to play in the Premier League – regardless of who it’s for, is a big opportunity for everyone so hopefully he does well and shines a great light on Ghanaian football.” he concluded.
Sulemana has already featured twice for Southampton in the English Premier League and he is expected to earn a starting berth against Chelsea on Saturday.
