Ligue 1 strugglers Clermont Foot 63 are reportedly considering a temporary move away for promising talent Aïman Maurer during the January transfer window.
The 18-year-old attacker emerged as a bright spark last season following his professional breakthrough, making six league starts after penning his first senior contract.
Displaying maturity beyond his years, Maurer’s creative presence offered Clermont added impetus in a successful battle against relegation.
However, with the club rooted to the bottom this term, manager Pascal Gastien has afforded the youngster limited opportunity.
Despite making five appearances amounting to just 51 minutes of action, Maurer’s lack of game time has prompted rumours of a loan switch to reinvigorate development.
Having progressed through the academies at Red Star and Paris Saint-Germain, the France youth international earned plaudits for his technical qualities and eye for goal after just 18 Ligue 1 outings.
But Gastien currently prefers alternative options, restricting the talented teenager’s ability to showcase potential.
With Clermont struggling for attacking inspiration as the league’s lowest scorers, Maurer’s absence from starting contention is a curious call.
A temporary move could provide the solution, allowing Maurer to blossom elsewhere before returning to fight for Clermont selection next season.
Lacking the physical power of some contemporaries, Maurer relies on technique, movement and intelligence within forward areas.
As Clermont battles for survival, guaranteeing the exciting prospect’s progression overrides immediate squad strengthening requirements.
