Southampton are reportedly holding talks with West Ham United over the potential signing of Maxwel Cornet on a loan with an option to buy deal.
Cornet has become the forgotten man at West Ham since joining from Burnley after continually struggling with injuries.
Southampton are believed to be ‘close’ to signing Cornet
Newly promoted Premier League side, Southampton have taken an interest in unwanted West Ham United forward, Maxwel Cornet, with Fabrizio Romano revealing late on the 29th of August that a deal between the two clubs described as ‘almost done’.
BBC Sport have provided a further update on Southampton’s deal for the Ivory Coast international, stating that Cornet himself is now in talks with the Saints over a move after talks over a move progressed overnight.
The BBC’s report stated that the proposed move would be an initial season-long loan deal with an option for Southampton to sign the 27-year-old permanently.
Cornet has struggled to impress at West Ham
Maxwel Cornet was regarded as one of the most exciting wingers to watch in his short spell with Burnley, earning him a £17.5 million move to West Ham in the summer of 2022, signing a five-year contract with the Hammers.
The Ivorian has failed to live up to expectations, frequently being absent through injury with the most notable issue being a calf problem.
After struggling to fix Cornet’s calf injury, the winger travelled to Paris to see a specialist who according to 6foot2 described the former Burnley forward’s injury as ‘ultra rare’ after struggling to resolve the problem despite multiple injections and treatments.
West Ham manager at the time, David Moyes, was clearly exasperated with Cornet’s injury woes, explaining to Football.London at the time: “Maxwel has kept breaking down with his calf injury.
“He’s been to see a specialist in France, we may do an injection, or if this doesn’t work it may end up going to an operation on his calf at the moment, we’re just not seeing Maxi get back that quick”.
Southampton will be looking to recapture Cornet’s form at Burnley
Cornet has previously displayed that he can be an effective Premier League player from his impressive stint at Burnley, netting nine goals in twenty-six league appearances for the Clarets.
Southampton will be hopeful of reigniting the spark within Cornet and, most importantly, keeping the winger fit with the hope that Cornet’s individual brilliance can offer Russell Martin’s side an extra edge and help the Saints retain their Premier League status.