Aston Villa expresses interest in Rennes striker with 12 goals

The newest transfer development for Aston Villa involves a French teenager catching their attention.

Aston Villa has reportedly identified Stade Rennais striker Mathis Lambourde as one of their top transfer priorities. According to journalist Sebastien Denis from Foot Mercato, Villa is closely monitoring Lambourde’s progress in Ligue 1 and holds a strong admiration for him. They are particularly drawn to his athletic qualities, leadership attributes, and winning mentality, which align with the profile of young players they seek, believing he has the potential to succeed in the Premier League.

At just 18 years old, Lambourde has made three senior appearances for Stade Rennais this season. While he only featured for nine minutes in a league match in September and played in the Coupe de France against Le Puy Foot in February, he has been a regular presence on the substitutes’ bench, including in the team’s final league match against Stade de Reims.

Despite his limited senior experience, Lambourde has showcased promise on the international stage, tallying 12 goals in 27 appearances for France’s youth teams. While he has yet to score for the under-18s, he contributed to a goal in a 2-0 victory against England in September 2023 during the U17 Euros.

Aston Villa faces competition from Bundesliga clubs for Lambourde’s signature, but the player himself is reportedly content at Rennes for now. However, he remains open to considering his options for the future, indicating a willingness to explore potential opportunities elsewhere.