Kamaldeen Sulemana explains his decision to join Southampton from Rennes

Ghana forward Kamaldeen Sulemana has revealed his desire to enjoy more playing time led to his decision to sign for Southampton in the winter transfer window.

The 21-year-old penned a long-term deal with the Saints during the January transfer window, signing from Stade Rennes in what was a club-record deal for the English side.

Kamaldeen started just two games in the first half of the French Ligue 1 season while making 14 appearances in total.

However, the player opted to leave the club after less than two years in France to join Southampton.

“I would say that football can be very hard sometimes, especially with the situation we’ve been in – it’s been the hardest,” he reflected in an interview with Daily Echo.

“I want to play every game and that is the conversation we had and one of the main reasons I tried to move from France – to get game time.

“When I saw the situation I felt like I could help. That’s why I came here but since I arrived it has been difficult with the game time, I don’t start some games and have to come in from the bench.”

The youngster’s first goals in the Premier League came in the 4-4 draw with Liverpool on the final day of the season with Southampton suffering relegation.