Jaydee Canvot is reportedly being targeted by several Premier League clubs including Aston Villa
Jaydee Canvot of Toulouse
Jaydee Canvot of Toulouse(Image: Photo by LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP via Getty Images)
Aston Villa could shortly firm up their interest in Toulouse defender Jaydee Canvot.
The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Ligue 1 last season and is said to be valued by Toulouse at around £20 million.
BirminghamLive understands that Canvot is a player who Villa believe has great potential, though a deal is not close to being completed at this stage.
Canvot himself is keen on the move and if Villa can agree a deal with Toulouse, personal terms would not be expected to be an issue either.
Villa are in the market for a right-sided defender after Axel Disasi returned to Chelsea following his loan spell in the second half of last season.
Canvot signed his first professional contract with Toulouse in June last year before making his senior debut in September against Stade Brest.
"In my head, I was prepared to make my debut, but I didn't know when it would happen," Canvot said. "The coach knows the ideal time to bring on players like us, whether as a starter or as a substitute. I think the coach decided to bring me on as well to congratulate me on my commitment.
"When the coach called me to tell me to get ready to come on, a lot of things were happening. I thought it was a dream come true. You're never really mentally ready in that respect. Once on the pitch, I told myself I just had to prove what I was worth. Then, I came on for the second time against PSG.
"I was impressed by the stadium, the fans, and also the players I was facing, but I had to be focused on my role. I was frustrated by the defeat, but my loved ones were happy to see me on the Parc des Princes pitch given that I grew up in the Paris region."
Also capable of playing as a holding midfielder, Canvot made that second league appearance against PSG in late November and earned his first start in a 1-0 away win at Lens in early January.
"Indeed, I'm lucky to be versatile, being able to play in two different positions," he added. In the system used by the coach, we play with two midfielders and three central defenders, so there's an extra spot to fill at the back. Even if he decides to put me as a right-back, I'll play too!
"We (us defenders) understand each other because all three of us have the same DNA, which is to give our all. I share that aggressiveness and sense of effort with them. It's very easy to play with players like that. And if someone makes a mistake, we'll tell them and reassure them to help each other."
The start against Lens marked the beginning of a run of seven consecutive starts for the teenager, and he finished the season by playing every minute of Toulouse’s final four league games at centre-back.
Toulouse remained unbeaten in those final four fixtures, securing wins over Stade Rennes and Saint-Étienne, and drawing with Nantes and Lens.
Canvot featured in 16 of Toulouse’s final 19 Ligue 1 matches and has also been a regular at various France youth levels.
Villa scouts were reportedly impressed by his performances in the Maurice Revello Tournament, which France’s Under-20 side won.
Formerly known as the Toulon Tournament, the competition features invited national teams composed of youth players from the Under-17 to Under-23 age groups.
Standing at 6'2", Canvot possesses the physical attributes to adapt quickly to the Premier League. However, a move to the English top flight would represent a significant step up, considering he has only one season of senior football under his belt.
Toulouse have a strong track record of developing and selling top defensive talent. Half of their six highest-value transfer departures have been centre-backs, including Issa Diop, Logan Costa, and Aymen Abdennour. Lille’s Bafodé Diakité also began his career at Toulouse.
The club has also produced several high-profile midfielders such as Ibrahim Sangaré, Étienne Capoue, and Moussa Sissoko, all of whom moved on for substantial fees.
Given his age, patience will be essential if Canvot is to establish himself in what many consider the most competitive league in the world. Nevertheless, his natural ability, physicality, and reading of the game suggest he has the tools to succeed.
Everton and Bournemouth have also been linked with the defender, whose future is expected to be decided in the coming days.
Although still in the younger years of his career, Canvot has dealt with a major setback after tearing his cruciate ligament in 2023.
"During a match against Isreal in the U17s, my knee cracked and I suffered a torn cruciate ligament. At the time, it was hard to accept, but I knew how to take it in the right way. I was well supported by my family, my agent, and the club; they all supported me.
"Instead of being sad, I took it as a challenge and as something that would help me in the future. During the year of my rehabilitation, I really missed football. I promised myself that from now on, all I was going to do in my life was give everything I had to perform well and continue to move forward.
"With this injury, I realised that my career could hang by a thread. From then on, the staff took the time to explain to me what the job of a footballer was. During my second season at the club and after my injury that sidelined me for a year, I had a turning point.
"I understood that I shouldn't rest on my laurels. From then on, I realised that I had to be more serious about recovery, sleep, nutrition, care, all those important little details. Since then, I have constantly progressed and I try to raise my level every day, even though I am still young and I still have a lot to learn."