“I’d like to stay” - Mohamed Elyounoussi outlines Southampton intentions

One of the many feel-good stories of Southampton’s 2021-22 campaign has been the return and resurgence of Mohamed Elyounoussi.

The Norway international spent two loan spells at Celtic and was largely forgotten as an option at Saints after an indifferent start to life at St Mary’s.

But Elyounoussi performed well during his time in Scotland and Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl gave him his chance to stake his claim as a Saints player this season.

Moi has seized that opportunity and has been one of Southampton’s key attacking options ever since.

Like Hasenhuttl, Saints fans have recognised Elyounoussi’s contributions on the pitch and the winger has clearly enjoyed his return to the Southampton fold. So much so, he has outlined his intention to stay beyond his current contract that is set to expire in 2023.

“For my part, you have to put yourself in a good position, but it is not something you go around thinking about. It’s about the next match and about doing the best we can, so others can take care of that bit. We have not sat down to talk about it yet,” Elyounoussi told Norwegian news outlet TV2.

“The time is not quite ripe yet, there are still some matches left. We can rather sit down after the end of the season and see what opportunities we have and what Southampton want.”

Elyounoussi has treated this season as a reset and believes he has done enough to warrant an extended stay on the South Coast.

“I think I have shown that I am more than good enough for the Premier League. I really look at this as my first season in the Premier League.

“I think it can only get better. I think Southampton see that too. I thrive there and have expressed that I would like to stay there longer.”