Cameroonian defender Etienne Youté attracts interest from Besiktas and Celtic

Le Havre AC have given Etienne Youté permission to explore a move away from the club this summer, with interest mounting from several top European sides.

The Cameroonian centre-back, who remains under contract with the Ligue 1 outfit until June 2026, has been made available for transfer at a price reportedly set by the Normandy-based club.

Despite his contractual stability, Le Havre are open to parting ways with the 24-year-old should a suitable offer be presented.

Youté’s consistent performances last season have not gone unnoticed, and interest in the central defender is intensifying as the summer transfer window unfolds.

According to Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, both Besiktas and Celtic have initiated discussions with Le Havre over a potential transfer.

The Turkish giants and the Scottish Premiership champions are believed to be seriously considering Youté as a defensive reinforcement, with negotiations said to be in the early stages.

Besiktas, who are aiming to bolster their squad for a stronger domestic and European campaign, view Youté as a player capable of adding physicality and composure to their back line.

Meanwhile, Celtic are reportedly keen to strengthen defensively ahead of another season of UEFA Champions League football and see the Cameroonian as a long-term option.

Youté’s appeal, however, extends beyond Istanbul and Glasgow. Premier League sides Burnley and Sheffield United, as well as Bundesliga outfit FC Cologne, are also monitoring the situation closely. While no official offers have yet been submitted, several clubs are believed to be weighing up bids in the region of the player’s estimated market value.

According to Transfermarkt, Youté is currently valued at €7 million—a figure seen as reasonable for a young defender with significant Ligue 1 experience and international potential.

Last season, Youté featured prominently for Le Havre in France’s top flight, making 24 appearances and amassing a total of 2,320 minutes on the pitch.

His strong aerial presence, positional awareness, and ability to play out from the back have made him an increasingly attractive prospect for clubs across Europe.

A product of the Le Havre youth academy, Youté has steadily worked his way into the senior setup and has been praised for his development over recent seasons.

His calmness under pressure and tactical discipline have drawn interest from clubs in leagues known for their physical and fast-paced football, making a move to either the Premier League or Süper Lig a logical next step.

While Le Havre are reportedly not in a rush to offload the defender, the club is expected to consider all serious offers as they prepare for the upcoming Ligue 1 campaign.

The decision will likely rest on which club can present the most compelling project—both financially and in terms of sporting ambition.

As the transfer window progresses, Etienne Youté’s future remains one of the more intriguing storylines involving emerging African talent in Europe.

Whether it is Turkey, Scotland, England, or Germany, the Cameroonian international appears poised for the next major step in his career.