By Nnamdi Onyeagwara

22nd Jul, 2022 | 9:00am

View: Why Sekou Mara is the perfect Armando Broja replacement at Southampton

Southampton are close to completing the signing of Bordeaux forward Sekou Mara, but why is the teenager the perfect Armanda Broja replacement?

The Saints have had a clear transfer strategy this summer, with only one of their seven confirmed signings this summer over the age of 23.

Mara, who is yet to turn 20, fits this transfer mould as a young player showing extreme promise, and is another example of the faith that Southampton seem to be showing emerging talent going forward.

Who is Mara?

The France under-21 striker is a 19-year-old centre-forward, who exploded onto the scene this season with some impressive performances at the Matmut Atlantique.

He made his debut for the club in 2020, however, it was in his sophomore season that he really announced himself to the world, scoring six goals and providing two assists in all competitions. [Transfermarkt]

The striker, who is of Senegalese descent, has also scored seven goals in 18 games for France’s various youth teams.

Mara is a skillful forward with quick feet and audacious flair.

He can lead the line, but he can also drift into wide channels and affect play from the flanks if he does not see enough of the ball.

The Bordeaux striker is also a clinical finisher and when compared to Broja, he scored the same amount of goals as the Albanian last season despite playing 1070 fewer minutes. [FBRef]

The French forward also has a higher amount of shot-creating actions than the Chelsea forward and out-performed his xG last season by 1.5, compared to Broja who underperformed his xG by one. [FBRef]

The Saints are acquiring a forward not only with huge potential but who can make an impact in the team immediately.

Broja was good last season but there is reason to believe that Mara could be even better.

In other Southampton news, the club have also been linked to Liam Delap.