According to the latest reports from Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa are being linked with a move for Stephane Bahoken. The forward currently plies his trade for Ligue 1 outfit Angers. Along with Villa, Sheffield United, Derby County and Swansea City are also interested in the forward.
The 26-year-old has managed ten goals for Angers this season and Dean Smith is likely to go after a striker as the future of Tammy Abraham is still uncertain. Given the form and performance of the Chelsea loanee, we would like to see the Clarets and Blue go after Abraham. If they manage to win promotion by winning the playoffs, then they can afford someone like Abraham who has been pivotal for his side this season.
Bahoken has come up from Nice’s academy and has predominantly played in Ligue 1 for the most of his career so far. His numbers this season in Ligue 1 might look a bit underwhelming, but one needs to remember that he plays for a bottom half side.
This is not the first time when the forward has attracted interest from England as last season, Swansea City were linked with him.
Is Bahoken good enough for Villa?
The Cameroonian international’s standout attribute is his pace and power. He can be tough to shrug off the ball when he is on a song. Also, he has quick feet along with agility which makes him a tricky customer to handle in the attacking third. However, if the Villans are looking to survive in the Premier League next season, then they probably need to aim a bit higher. We feel that Bahoken is Championship quality and if Villa fail to get promotion, then they can go after him as a replacement for Abraham.
Apart from Abraham, Dean Smith has used Jonathan Kodjia for most of the season. Keinan Davis is also an option, but he has remained on the fringes of the squad.
What should Villa do?
As of now, Villa might have to wait and see which division they might end up playing in the next season. So their transfer plans could be on hold. If they move to the Premier League, their plans can drastically change. Bahoken seems to be another run of the mill striker who has decent attributes, but we don’t see him thriving at the top level against top opponents. If Dean Smith’s men fail to win promotion, then only the Villans should go for him.
