Southampton have opened talks with RC Lens over the signing of winger Morgan Guilavogui.
The Championship club are in negotiations with the Ligue 1 side as they aim to add attacking depth before the transfer deadline.
🚨🔴⚪️ EXCL: Southampton open talks with RC Lens for Morgan Guilavogui with negotiations underway.
No agreement on fee yet but talks on. pic.twitter.com/bKkaW6TtQO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 18, 2025
Guilavogui Targeted by Will Still
Guilavogui, 27, is a Guinea international with 15 caps who joined Lens in 2023 after three prolific seasons at Paris FC. Last year he spent time on loan at St. Pauli in Germany’s Bundesliga, scoring six times in 25 league appearances. His versatility allows him to play on either flank or centrally, offering Southampton head coach Will Still a range of options in the final third.
Still knows Guilavogui from his brief spell managing Lens, though the winger left on loan shortly after his arrival. The connection has now led to fresh interest, with Southampton viewing the player as an experienced reinforcement to complement their younger wide options.
Southampton’s Summer Plans
While the future of teenager Tyler Dibling remains uncertain amid Premier League interest, the Saints’ pursuit of Guilavogui is not directly tied to his situation. Instead, the move is aimed at ensuring Still has greater squad depth as the club look to sustain their early unbeaten run in the Championship.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that negotiations are underway, though no fee has been agreed. Lens are expected to hold out for a reasonable return on a player they signed only two years ago, having seen him develop into a reliable performer at both domestic and international level.
Proven Pedigree
Before moving to France’s top tier, Guilavogui was a standout in Ligue 2, netting 26 goals across three seasons for Paris FC. His form earned him a move to Lens in 2023, where he featured in Ligue 1 and European competition before heading out to St. Pauli. At international level, he scored his first goal for Guinea in 2023, further underlining his growing stature.
For Southampton, his arrival would bring a valuable mix of experience and versatility, complementing emerging talents such as Jay Robinson and giving Still greater tactical flexibility.
Writer’s View
Guilavogui would be a smart acquisition for Southampton. He has proven himself in multiple leagues, can operate across the front line, and crucially offers a level of maturity that could help balance a side built around young, exciting talent.
For Still, who is working to establish the Saints as genuine promotion contenders, securing the winger would not just add quality but also provide much-needed cover in wide areas. If the deal is completed, it would underline Southampton’s determination to equip their manager with the tools needed to mount a serious push for the Premier League.
