Lille have entered the race to sign promising Championship midfielder
Sol Sidibe of Stoke City
Sol Sidibe of Stoke City(Image: Getty Images)
Aston Villa will have to fend off interest from several European clubs if they are to land promising midfielder Sol Sidibe from Stoke City.
A number of teams are reportedly tracking the midfielder, who was born in France but has represented England at youth level.
Sidibe played for England Under-17s in 2023 and made his debut for the Under-18s later that year. He has since captained the Young Lions at that level. Domestically, he has already gained significant first-team experience.
The 18-year-old has made 21 appearances for Stoke’s senior side since making his debut in August 2023.
Last season, under Steven Schumacher and later Narcis Pelach, Sidibe continued to feature regularly, making 13 appearances in league and cup competitions. However, he did not appear again after January, when Mark Robins took over as manager.
He signed a three-year contract last summer, meaning there are still two years remaining on his deal. That hasn’t deterred interest, particularly from Villa.
According to Foot Mercato, Lille have now entered the race to sign Sidibe, joining a host of other clubs, including Ajax, PSV and Villa.
Villa have gradually aimed to lower the average age of their squad. Yasin Ozcan is set to join this summer from Kasimpasa, following the January addition of Andres Garcia.
They had also targeted midfielder Sverre Nypan, but he ultimately signed for Manchester City instead.
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