Strasbourg track Karim Sow but await defensive exits

Strasbourg have added Lausanne defender Karim Sow to their list of summer targets, but any serious push for the Swiss centre-back will depend on outgoings first.

The 23-year-old, standing 1.99m tall and weighing 87kg, is coming off an impressive season with 29 starts in all competitions.

Foot Mercato reports that Sow’s name features on Strasbourg’s shortlist, yet the Alsatian club face strong competition. His fee is estimated between 4 and 5 million euros, and Borussia Monchengladbach, Ipswich Town, Hull City and Toulouse, who need to replace Charlie Cresswell, are all interested. Beyond his physical presence, Sow is noted for his ease on the ball, a combination that makes him a rare and attractive profile.

Strasbourg’s ownership structure, with BleuCo acting as a bridge towards Chelsea, could help attract a player looking for a pathway to bigger stages. However, local outlet Alsa’Sports points out that Racing will not move decisively without first trimming their defensive unit. Up to four centre-backs could leave: Abakar Sylla, Saïdou Sow, Soumaïla Coulibaly, and captain Ismaël Doukouré, whose market value is around 20 million euros.

If those departures materialise and Sow remains available, Strasbourg are expected to accelerate.