Monaco consider Stoke City defender Eric Junior Bocat in left-back search

AS Monaco have identified Stoke City left-back Eric Junior Bocat as one of their leading options to provide competition and cover for Nazinho.

The Ligue 1 club are continuing to assess the transfer market as they look to strengthen at left-back. Other potential moves remain dependent on whether Folarin Balogun leaves the Principality, but Bocat has now emerged as a serious target for Monaco’s sporting department.

According to information from Sacha Tavolieri, the French-Senegalese defender is one of two preferred candidates being considered for the position.

Initial contact has taken place between Monaco and Stoke City. However, the move is not yet at an advanced stage, with no decisive development or concrete transfer activity expected before next week.

Monaco face competition for the 27-year-old, who is also being monitored by German club Cologne and Burnley, who were recently relegated to the Championship. The interest from several clubs gives Bocat a number of possible routes for the next stage of his career.

Bocat was developed in France before making his name during a spell in Belgian football. He then moved to England, where he continued his progression with Stoke City. The Paris-born defender previously played for Dijon.

He has already made an impact for the Potters this season, scoring once in two league appearances. Bocat is valued at 2.2m euros and remains under contract in England until 2028, meaning Stoke City are under no immediate pressure to sell.

The defender’s potential arrival would give Monaco additional depth at left-back and support Nazinho, with the club continuing to shape their squad ahead of the new campaign. The position remains one of the areas being reviewed by the Principality side as they work through several transfer possibilities.

Monaco will soon begin their French league campaign against Le Havre AC. Betting company 1xbet lists Monaco as favourites for the match, with odds of 1.95 for a home win. A draw is priced at 3.80, while a Le Havre AC victory is listed at 3.60.

Any progress on Bocat is expected to depend on further discussions between Monaco and Stoke City, as well as the wider movement within the club’s squad. For now, the former Dijon defender remains one of the two principal options under consideration as Monaco seek a left-back capable of providing support for Nazinho.