Closed: the summer 2026 window ended without this move.
Estéban Lepaul to Aston Villa
Last update: 70 days ago
Status and verdict
Did not happen
Closed rumours are no longer scored: the status is final.
The French outlet Get Football News France broke the story on 24 Aug, saying both Premier League clubs are “keeping a close eye” on the striker. DeadlineDayLive states clearly that, as of 25 Aug, Rennes have no intention of selling.
First reported by Get Football News France
4 articles · 2 independent sources
What we know
His listed contract runs to June 2030.
The French outlet Get Football News France broke the story on 24 Aug, saying both Premier League clubs are “keeping a close eye” on the striker. DeadlineDayLive states clearly that, as of 25 Aug, Rennes have no intention of selling.
Key findings
- First report: 24 Aug 2026, Get Football News France.
- 2 independent sources behind it (DeadlineDayLive, Get Football News France); 1 other outlet only repeats earlier reporting.
- Best-rated independent source: DeadlineDayLive.
- Deal stage reached by a counted source: interest.
- 1 report attributes the story to L'Équipe, whose own article is not among the sources.
- No source denies the move.
- Latest evidence: 70 days ago.
Who reported it
| Outlet | Tier | What they said | Track record | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeadlineDayLive 25/08/2026 | Tier 4 · Speculative | Esteban Lepaul is being monitored by Manchester City and Aston Villa Stage: interest | 1 case, no percentage yet | Original source |
| Get Football News France 24/08/2026 | Tier 4 · Speculative | Manchester City and Aston Villa are keeping a close eye on Rennes striker Estéban Lepaul. Stage: interest | No history yet | Original source |
| DeadlineDayLive 25/08/2026 | Tier 4 · Speculative | Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul is being monitored by Aston Villa, but Rennes have no intention of selling him. Stage: interest | 1 case, no percentage yet | Contradicts |
| Yahoo Sports 25/08/2026 | Tier 2 · Established | Aston Villa are tracking Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, according to L'Equipe Stage: interest | 1 of 3 cases · 33% | Cites L'Équipe (not in this dossier) |
Timeline
- 25 Aug 2026 · Yahoo SportsAston Villa are tracking Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, according to L'Equipe
Repeats reporting attributed to L'Équipe (its own article is not in this dossier). Stage: interest
- 25 Aug 2026 · DeadlineDayLiveRennes striker Esteban Lepaul is being monitored by Aston Villa, but Rennes have no intention of selling him.
Contradicts earlier reporting. Stage: interest
- 25 Aug 2026 · DeadlineDayLiveEsteban Lepaul is being monitored by Manchester City and Aston Villa
First-hand report. Stage: interest
- 24 Aug 2026 · Get Football News FranceManchester City and Aston Villa are keeping a close eye on Rennes striker Estéban Lepaul.
First-hand report. Stage: interest
Does Aston Villa need him?
Centre-Forward: the strikers Aston Villa already have, from their squad list, and who they brought in there over the last two seasons. Facts only: we do not judge the need.
Current strikers (3)
| Player | Position | Age | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicolas Jackson | Centre-Forward | 25 | 30 Jun 2031 |
| Brian Madjo | Centre-Forward | 16 | 30 Jun 2032 |
| Tammy Abraham | Centre-Forward | 29 | 30 Jun 2030 |
Recent signings in this position
- Nicolas Jackson (Centre-Forward)2026/27 · from Chelsea FC · €55.50m
- Donyell Malen (Centre-Forward)· no longer in the squad2026/27 · back from loan at AS Roma
- Tammy Abraham (Centre-Forward)2025/26 · from Beşiktaş JK · €22.00m
- Brian Madjo (Centre-Forward)2025/26 · from FC Metz · €12.00m
Is it still alive?
- First report
- 24 Aug 2026
- Latest report
- 25 Aug 2026 (69 days ago)
Contract and fee
- Contract until
- June 2030
- Reported fee
- —
No outlet has quoted a figure for this move yet. We never estimate one.
Also linked with
Player profile
- Full name
- Estéban Lepaul
- Age
- 26
- Agent
- Mickael Libong