A Rising Star Under Pressure

When Kamaldeen Sulemana made his record-breaking £22 million (€25m) move from Rennes to Southampton, expectations were sky-high. The 20-year-old Ghanaian winger, known for his blistering pace and flair, was seen as a game-changer for the Saints. However, his journey in England has been anything but smooth.

Sulemana, who signed a four-and-a-half-year deal keeping him at St Mary’s until 2027, has struggled to live up to his hefty price tag. Injuries have hampered his progress, and concerns over his attitude have only added to the scrutiny.

“I’m the transfer record here, so ever since I got here there’s always been big pressure on me,” he admitted. “Sometimes I feel like I play quite well, but if the team don’t win, I don’t score, and I don’t assist, then I haven’t fulfilled my task as a striker or winger. It’s still not enough because I’m regarded as the transfer record, and I should always be the one doing everything to get the club where it needs to be.”

Despite flashes of brilliance, Sulemana’s numbers remain modest—16 appearances this season with just one goal and two assists. His story mirrors the journey of many young talents burdened by expectation, searching for consistency in the high-intensity world of the Premier League.

Born in Techiman, Ghana, Sulemana’s football journey began at the Right to Dream Academy before moving to Denmark to join Nordsjaelland. His rise through European football has been rapid, but the true test of his resilience is unfolding now at Southampton. Can he rise above the pressure and fulfill his immense potential? Only time will tell.