Villarreal Eyeing French-Guinean Wonderkid Sidiki Cherif
The Yellow Submarine is reportedly lining up a move for Angers' teenage sensation Sidiki Cherif, with Premier League and Serie A clubs also circling.
With the January transfer window just around the corner, Villarreal are reportedly keen on splashing the cash for one of Ligue 1’s brightest young talents.
Who is Sidiki Cherif?
The Angers forward has been turning heads in France this season, and for good reason. Born in Conakry, Guinea, Cherif moved to France when he was just five years old and has been on a rapid rise through the ranks:
- Made his professional debut for Angers at just 16 years old in the French second tier
- Got his first taste of Ligue 1 action last season at 17
- Currently Angers’ top scorer with 4 goals in 16 matches this campaign
- Turns 19 tomorrow - happy birthday, lad!
The Transfer Details
According to French newspaper L’Équipe, Villarreal have already shown their hand with an offer in the region of €20 million for the teenage sensation. However, that sum appears to be short of Angers’ valuation, with the French club reportedly holding out for at least €25 million.
Villarreal aren’t the only ones sniffing around the youngster, mind. There’s interest from across the continent with Premier League clubs, German sides, and even AC Milan all keeping tabs on the forward.
Villarreal’s French Connection
This wouldn’t be the first time the Yellow Submarine has done business with Angers. They previously splashed €18 million on Franco-Cameroonian striker Karl Toko Ekambi from the Loire-based club.
In fact, Villarreal have been keeping their mince pies on French football talent for some time now. Last summer, they closely tracked several Ligue 1 forwards including:
- Evann Guessand
- Emmanuel Emegha
- Arnaud Kalimuendo
And it’s not just Cherif who’s caught their attention in France. Monaco’s 19-year-old striker George Ilenikhena is also on their radar after impressing in Belgium with Antwerp, where he even bagged a Champions League goal at just 18.
If Villarreal can pull this deal off, they might have a proper diamond on their hands. The Spanish club has a stellar track record of developing young talent, and Cherif could be the next in line to shine at La Ceramica.