SCO Angers are considering a move to bring Benin international Steve Mounié back to Ligue 1 as part of their efforts to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new campaign.
The club, who struggled in front of goal last season, have identified the 30-year-old Augsburg striker as a prime target should Esteban Lepaul complete a transfer to Stade Rennais. Reports in Ouest-France suggest Angers have placed Mounié at the top of their recruitment list, with a loan deal viewed as the most realistic option.
Mounié joined Bundesliga side Augsburg last summer after a successful period at Brest, but he has found regular playing time difficult to secure in Germany.
A return to France is now seen as a potential solution to reignite his career and restore his rhythm in competitive football.
The striker’s possible arrival in Angers is closely tied to the outcome of Lepaul’s future. Rennes are said to be progressing in negotiations for the forward, and if Angers receive a fee close to the €25m valuation, they would have the financial flexibility to press ahead with a deal for Mounié.
Last season highlighted Angers’ urgent need for attacking reinforcements. The team registered just 16 goals across their Ligue 1 campaign, a tally that exposed their shortcomings in the final third.
Head coach Alexandre Dujeux has made no secret of his desire to bring in a forward with the physical attributes to unsettle opposing defences and provide a focal point in attack.
Mounié, known for his strength, aerial ability, and work rate, fits the profile that Angers are seeking. His time in France previously demonstrated his effectiveness in Ligue 1, where his presence in the box and ability to convert crosses into goals made him a reliable option for Brest.
Despite his struggles to establish himself in the Bundesliga, his proven record in French football has ensured continued interest from clubs in his former league.
Angers’ pursuit of Mounié reflects their determination to avoid a repeat of last season’s struggles. While their defensive organisation kept them competitive, the lack of cutting edge in attack often undermined their performances.
Adding a striker of Mounié’s calibre would provide Dujeux with a more balanced squad, capable of challenging more consistently in matches where goals proved elusive.
For Mounié, the opportunity to return to Ligue 1 could represent a chance to revive his career at a crucial stage. At 30, he brings both experience and physicality, qualities that Angers believe could have an immediate impact.
The player’s situation at Augsburg, where he has yet to firmly establish himself, makes the prospect of a loan deal all the more viable.
With the transfer window approaching its decisive stages, Angers are expected to intensify their efforts once Lepaul’s future is resolved. Should Rennes finalise their pursuit of the forward, it could clear the way for Angers to accelerate negotiations with Augsburg for Mounié’s services.
For now, the Beninese striker remains on standby as Angers weigh their options. But with the club’s urgent need for goals and the clock ticking on the transfer deadline, Mounié’s name is firmly at the centre of their plans.
