AS Saint-Étienne have set their sights on Benin national team captain Steve Mounié as they aim to reinforce their attack ahead of the upcoming Ligue 2 campaign.
Mounié, who joined German side FC Augsburg in July 2024, has found life in the Bundesliga challenging.
The 30-year-old striker has struggled for both form and minutes, making 16 appearances this past season but managing just one goal.
With only one start and a total of 334 minutes played, his lack of playing time has prompted growing speculation about an early departure.
The French club, recently relegated from Ligue 1, is now keen to capitalise on the striker’s unsettled status.
Saint-Étienne are in advanced talks to secure Mounié’s services in a move expected to be worth around €1.5 million.
The negotiations are said to be progressing steadily, with discussions reportedly 35% complete.
“We believe Steve Mounié would bring valuable experience and depth to our squad,” as Saint-Étienne look to mount a serious bid for promotion back to the top tier next season.
Mounié’s career trajectory has taken him across France and England, having previously played for Montpellier, Nîmes, and Huddersfield Town.
Prior to joining Augsburg, he enjoyed a solid spell at Stade Brestois, where he was a consistent performer and fan favourite.
His move to Germany, however, has not yielded the expected impact, and both player and club may now be open to parting ways.
Despite the downturn in form, Mounié remains one of the most recognised Beninese footballers in Europe.
According to Transfermarkt, he is currently valued at €2 million, while his annual salary stands at €2.64 million.
The potential move to Saint-Étienne represents an opportunity for Mounié to revive his career in familiar surroundings.
The Ligue 2 side is seeking experienced players capable of making an immediate impact, and the Benin captain’s profile fits their strategy for a swift return to Ligue 1.
With a contract at Augsburg running until June 2027, any deal will require the German club’s approval, but with interest growing and playing time limited, a transfer could be on the horizon in the coming weeks.
