Southampton forward Kamaldeen Sulemana has revealed his decision to leave the French Ligue 1 was due to his desire to get game time.

The Black Stars winger joined the Saints in the January transfer window after just a season and a half with Stade Rennais. The 21-year-old signed a long-term contract with the Premier League side after his departure from France.

Kamaldeen started just two games in the half-season he spent at Rennes during the 2022/23 campaign and made a total of 14 appearances, scoring one goal.

Speaking to Daily Echo, the Ghanaian explained what inspired his departure from the French club.

“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.

“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."

Kamaldeen, having struggled to find the back of the net in his first 17 Premier League games, scored two goals against Liverpool in an eight-goal thriller on the final day.

The player has a decision to make on his future with Southampton being relegated after what was a poor form in the English top flight.