By: Eric Murphy Asare

Southampton beat Everton to sign Rennes winger and Ghanaian international Kamaldeen Sulemana.

The Ghana international, 20, who was recorded running 35.7km/h (22.18mph) during the World Cup tournament to become the quickest player, has now completed his transfer deal to Southampton.

Sulemana, who primarily plays on the left, was also linked with a move to Saints’ relegation rivals Everton; however, words from France are that Southampton have beaten Everton to the signing of 20-year-old Rennes winger and Ghanaian international Kamaldeen Sulemana in a deal worth about £22.5m where he is having his medicals.

The fee, which exceeds the £20m the Saints paid to sign Danny Ings from Liverpool in 2019, has broken and set the club’s new transfer record. It would be a big feat for Saints in their relegation fight and a blast to Everton as they chased them down, having failed to make a signing in this window.

Sulemana joined Rennes from Danish club Nordsjaelland in 2021 and has played 19 matches in all competitions this season, scoring once and providing two assists.

He has won 15 caps for Ghana, including three appearances at the World Cup in Qatar.