Strasbourg and Stuttgart have entered negotiations with Stade de Reims over the potential signing of Cameroonian midfielder Valentin Atangana following the French club’s relegation to Ligue 2.
Atangana, who delivered a consistent campaign in Ligue 1 last season, has quickly become one of the most sought-after young talents in French football.
Despite Reims’ disappointing drop to the second tier, the 19-year-old made 34 appearances in the top flight and registered a goal, showcasing maturity and composure well beyond his years.
With Reims now facing a summer of restructuring and cost-cutting, several of their high-performing players are expected to depart, with Atangana leading the list.
The teenager’s contract with the Champagne club runs until June 2027, but that has not deterred suitors, with both Strasbourg and Bundesliga side Stuttgart taking concrete steps to secure his services.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest that Stuttgart have already reached a preliminary agreement with Reims over a possible transfer, although no official announcement has been made.
Strasbourg are also actively pursuing the midfielder and are believed to have opened direct discussions in a bid to keep him in France.
Atangana’s growing reputation has also piqued the interest of Premier League clubs, though they have yet to formalise any offers. His strong performances, particularly in a challenging season for Reims, have made him a standout candidate for teams seeking a young, defensively astute presence in midfield.
While the final outcome remains uncertain, what is clear is that Atangana is unlikely to feature in Ligue 2 next season. The player’s next destination could hinge on which club is able to offer him not only favourable terms but also a clear pathway for development at the highest level.
Reims, for their part, are weighing up the various options, knowing full well that they hold a strong negotiating position due to the length of the player’s contract. Nevertheless, they are also conscious of the financial benefits that a summer transfer could bring as they prepare for life in the second division.
Atangana’s next move could be crucial to his development, with both Strasbourg and Stuttgart offering different footballing environments.
Strasbourg may present the familiarity of Ligue 1, while Stuttgart could provide exposure to the rigours of the Bundesliga and the prospect of European football in the near future.
With the transfer window still open and interest mounting, Reims are expected to come under increasing pressure to finalise a deal swiftly. Atangana, meanwhile, is understood to be keeping his options open as talks continue behind the scenes.
The coming days may prove decisive in determining the future of one of Cameroon’s brightest midfield prospects.
