One of Southampton’s summer sales has helped to save the player’s former club and allow them to continue to play games at their home ground.
Saints boss Russell Martin presided over a busy summer transfer window which saw a host of players both arrive and leave St Mary’s in anticipation of a Premier League campaign.
Flynn Downes notably returned on a permanent basis, while Ben Brereton Diaz, Mateus Fernandes and Cameron Archer were other key players to sign on the dotted line.
A big money sale was that of forward Sekou Mara, who left for French side Strasbourg for a fee of €12m, and helped to balance Saints’ books.
Mara’s move has not just been a boon for Southampton, it has also helped his former club Bordeaux.
Bordeaux, who dropped into the National 2 in France due to a financial implosion, will net €300,000 of the fee due to a solidarity payment.
That money will, according to French daily Sud-Ouest (via Foot Mercato), allow Bordeaux to remain at their home ground this season.
The cash will allow them to cover the operating costs associated with the stadium, meaning Mara’s move has helped to save the club.
He has also helped Bordeaux in the past, when Southampton signed him for €11.5m, allowing the club to avoid being demoted due to financial issues.
