Aston Villa are in contention to sign Racing Club de Strasbourg striker Stéphane Bahoken, who are currently occupying the 16th spot in the French Ligue 1. Steve Bruce showed interest in him during the January transfer window but the move didn’t materialise. Bahoken’s contract with the French side will be coming to an end after the end of the season and that will make him a free agent in the summer.
According to reports, along with Aston Villa, clubs like Stoke City, Swansea and Brighton & Hove Albion are also on the lookout for the former Nice striker. Aston Villa are currently sitting fourth in the Championship and are four points off the second-placed Cardiff City. At worse, they are expected to make the playoffs and they will be in with a chance to move back to the Premier League.
Bahoken started his career in Nice’s academy but he has made his name at Strasbourg. The 25-year-old has been clinical in front of goal for his club as he has managed to score six goals in 14 league starts. The marksman played for the French in under20 age bracket but he has made his senior international appearance for Cameroon. He made his debut recently in a match against Kuwait. His father, Paul Bahoken, has also represented Cameroon and was part of the 1982 FIFA world cup squad of Cameroon.
Bahoken is over 6ft tall and he has a strong physical presence. His strength is key to his success and with a good eye for goal, he is a perfect traditional no9 option. Villa have lacked a bit of depth in the attacking department this season and the Cameroon international can be the right man to solve their problems.
The Strasbourg sharpshooter has indicated that he would like to move to England to continue his career but Aston Villa could find it difficult to lure him if other Premier League suitors come in for him. The Championship outfit are still not assured of promotion and that could mean that the striker will likely want to move to a Premier League club.
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If Aston Villa gets promoted, it will certainly enhance their chances of signing Bahoken. He might take time to settle in as he has never played football outside of France and getting used to English football isn’t easy. But the 25-year-old has all the physical attributes and skills to flourish in England as well and Steve Bruce might look to capitalise on that once they secure his signature on the dotted lines.
