Steve Mounié’s transfer to Bundesliga side Augsburg has taken a disappointing turn, with the Beninese forward enduring a season of frustration and underperformance since his move from Stade Brestois.
The 30-year-old, once a central figure at Brest and instrumental in their historic Champions League qualification, has found himself on the periphery in Germany.
In 15 league appearances, Mounié has yet to score a goal, has provided only a single assist, and has not started a match. For a player who was thriving in Ligue 1 just months ago, the contrast is stark—and troubling.
At Brest, Mounié was valued not just for his goalscoring ability, but also for his leadership and work rate on the pitch.
Regularly involved in matchday squads and playing meaningful minutes, he contributed significantly to the club’s rise in French football. That momentum, however, has not followed him to Bavaria.
Since arriving at Augsburg, Mounié has struggled to adapt. His lack of pace has been exposed, and his confidence has visibly waned. Often relegated to the bench or omitted entirely from the squad, he has been unable to break into the starting eleven.
Meanwhile, Samuel Essende—his main competitor for the centre-forward role—has seized the opportunity, offering more dynamism and consistency in front of goal.
The decision to swap the stability and visibility of Brest for a new challenge in the Bundesliga now appears questionable.
While Mounié likely sought a fresh start and the chance to test himself in a different environment, the gamble has not paid off.
Instead, it has left him in a difficult position—underutilised at club level and facing growing scrutiny over his future.
This downturn comes at a critical time for the Beninese international. With the national team still relying on his experience and physical presence, his lack of form raises inevitable concerns.
Though his spot with Benin is not currently under threat, continued struggles at club level could force a reassessment ahead of future international fixtures.
As Brest prepare for European competition without him, Mounié may be left reflecting on a missed opportunity.
His time in France had seen him steadily rebuild his career, following earlier spells in England and with Montpellier. That progress now appears to be stalling.
A return to Ligue 1 could provide the revitalisation he needs, or perhaps a fresh project elsewhere could offer the right platform to relaunch his career.
With age and experience on his side, Mounié still has the tools to bounce back. But after a season to forget in Augsburg, the next move will be crucial.
For now, the once-prolific striker is left watching from the sidelines, hoping for a chance to rediscover the form that once made him one of Benin’s most dependable forwards.
