Southampton eye 8 goal Ligue 1 star (can be new Riyad Mahrez)

Southampton are planning a summer move for exciting Paris FC winger and Algerian International, Ilan Kebbal.

Southampton are playing on all fronts as the decisive stretch of the season approaches. While the Saints are set to continue their promotion charge after the FA Cup Arsenal game, the club management is lining up transfer interests for an exciting summer window.

The transfer rumour mill has already linked Southampton with several young talents for future development. However, the club’s latest link emphasises their interest in immediate improvements as well.

According to the latest development, Southampton are planning a Ligue 1 move to sign exciting Paris FC winger Ilan Kebbal. Just Saints reported the club’s interest, stating: “SaintsFC are plotting a summer move for Paris FC’s winger Ilan Kebbal.”

Ilan Kebbal’s electric form draws comparisons with Riyad Mahrez

Southampton’s interest in reinforcing the wide areas has been less reported lately. However, they are reluctant to let an exciting talent like Kebbal slip away after his exceptional displays have drawn comparisons to being the next Riyad Mahrez.

Like the Man City legend, Kebbal is a right winger who excels in dribbling and goal contributions. Though he has yet to establish himself in the Algerian national team, his four international caps and undeniable talent mark him as the best alternative to Mahrez once the veteran retires.

Kebbal’s club performances have been even more impressive. With 12 goal contributions this season, he earned special recognition for helping knock out direct rivals PSG in the Round of 32 of the Coupe de France by providing the assist for Jonathan Ikoné’s goal.

The fact that Kebbal has been impressing year after year with staggering numbers makes Southampton’s interest even more meaningful. The 2025/26 campaign marks his fourth consecutive season reaching double digits in goal contributions.

Ilan Kebbal has emerged as a gem for Paris FC. Having stuck with them for around four years, the winger has been fundamental in helping the club return to the French top flight after decades.

There’s no doubt his attacking prowess has been a major contributor to Paris FC’s mid‑table status. But while Kebbal’s profile will excite Southampton, the club may need to part with a significant amount of money to bring him on board.

Southampton’s poor Ligue 1 record makes them cautious on Kebbal

Ilan Kebbal’s track record has been so sensational that there will be minimal doubts or speculations about his signing. However, Southampton will want to clear all their fears before making a move.

That’s because Southampton has had more losers than winners while recruiting Ligue 1 talent in recent years. Though the likes of Ibrahima Diallo and Duje Ćaleta-Car could still be excused for positional differences, this trend has been far more pronounced in attacking recruitments.

Take, for instance, the most prominent case of Kamaldeen Sulemana. The winger was brought in for a club record fee of €25m to help Southampton escape relegation during the 2022/23 season. However, Sulemana looked subpar to live up to the role.

A direct transition from Ligue 1 to the Premier League may have been a factor, but Sulemana was barely better even during his second Premier League spell in the 2024/25 season.

Ultimately, Southampton sold him for a cut-price fee of €17.5 million to Atalanta last summer. Though this doesn’t imply that Kebbal would prove to be a flop signing, too, the similarities between him and Sulemana can’t be ignored.

Like Kebbal, Sulemana was once a rising Ligue 1 prospect. And if Southampton win promotion, Kebbal could be thrown into Premier League football from day one, just like his predecessor.

Kebbal’s Ligue 1 numbers are far better than Sulemana’s were when he joined Southampton. But the positional and stylistic similarities would be hard for the Saints to ignore.

That calls for a rational approach before deciding on a serious pursuit of Ilan Kebbal. Though the winger has bright potential, Southampton need to convince themselves on every front before trying their luck with another Ligue 1 forward.