Aston Villa
Aston Villa and AFC Bournemouth are among the clubs chasing a transfer for AS Monaco goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch.
The 19-year-old joined Monaco’s academy on a free transfer in July 2021, after a spell with Trélissac FC Jugend.
He was initially part of Monaco U17s and a year later, made his way into their U19 squad. Since 2023, the stopper has been representing Monaco U21 but is yet to make his first team debut.
Despite this, he has caught the attention of Aston Villa, Bournemouth and other clubs.
Two months ago, Sport Witness relayed news that Andoni Iraola’s side failed to sign him in the winter market. The Cherries aren’t giving up and face a battle with the Villans.
Last year, Benchaouch starred for Morocco at U20 AFCON, losing to South Africa in the final in May. He again impressed at the U20 World Cup, a tournament they won beating by Argentina in the final.
The stopper’s development saw him make his debut for Morocco U23s in the last international break.
Aston Villa and Bournemouth keen
Africa Foot now have a report covering the latest on Unai Emery’s side, AFC Bournemouth and other clubs’ transfer interest in Yanis Benchaouch.
There’s a ‘fierce battle’ for the AS Monaco youngster, also because his contract will expire in June and has refused to sign an extension.
After showing interest, Aston Villa have taken concrete transfer action to bring him to Villa Park in the summer.
The Villans have submitted an official offer that includes a five-year contract worth €850k per year salary.
Emery’s side are also offering a substantial sell-on percentage to the Ligue 1 side.This is a ‘good faith gesture’ to prevent any potential legal dispute over training fee and to conclude the deal ‘amicably’.
This is likely done to get ahead of competition from both Bournemouth, Al-Gharafa SC and other clubs.
The Cherries could return with a new offer after a failed attempt in January while the Qatari side are trying to tempt the Moroccan. Modena, Inter Milan, Monza and unnamed clubs from Spain, Belgium, France and the Netherlands are also keen.
Our take: Aston Villa may have transfer edge
Yanis Benchaouch seems to be well aware that several clubs including Aston Villa and AFC Bournemouth are chasing him.
As of now, he isn’t rushing and wants to make the final decision at the end the season, after evaluating all options. The stopper wants to give sporting aspect the priority.
This means Aston Villa would have to show him a route to the first team over the next few years, potentially with cup appearances along the way. Given there’s likely to be a change-up in the Villa goalkeeper situation, they can sell a project.
🇩🇪 Kosta Nedeljković | ‘Bitter turn of events’ as player on his way back to Aston Villahttps://t.co/boS56uL7pN #avfc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) April 2, 2026