Issa Tounkara Joins Southampton

Young Malian midfielder Issa Tounkara is set to officially join Southampton this summer.

Tounkara is taking a significant step in his career after a standout performance at the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. Among several clubs interested in him, Southampton successfully secured his signature. The English club confirmed the signing on Monday, April 13.

Southampton Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of Malian youth international midfielder Issa Tounkara. At just 17 years old, Tounkara joins from the Académie des Etoiles du Mandé in Mali. He recently visited Staplewood and agreed to join the club officially this summer, just after his 18th birthday.