News Focus
- Esteban Lepaul pledges loyalty to Stade Rennais despite elite club interest
- The 26-year-old leads Ligue 1 scoring charts with 19 goals this season
- Atletico Madrid and Napoli both monitoring the French forward’s situation
- Rennes reportedly value their star striker at €30 million
- The club currently sits in a Europa League position with Champions League hopes alive
Esteban Lepaul has rejected talk of a summer departure from Stade Rennais. The prolific forward says he plans to stay at the French club even though top European sides are watching his progress.
The 26-year-old has found the net 19 times in Ligue 1 this term. This tally places him at the top of the division’s scoring charts. Despite this outstanding form, he did not make the shortlist for the UNFP Awards.
Elite clubs have taken notice of his performances. Sources indicate that Atletico Madrid made an official enquiry about the player. Italian giants Napoli have also registered their interest in securing his signature.
The Brittany club reportedly slapped a €30 million price tag on their star man. However, Lepaul insists money will not lure him away. He wants to test himself in European competition with Rennes.
“My future lies here at Rennes,” the striker stated. “We have targets to achieve together. The next stage for me involves a full campaign with a club that competes in Europe. This setup suits me perfectly. I must prove myself over a season in continental football.”
Les Rouge et Noir currently occupy a Europa League qualification spot. They sit just two points behind the Champions League places with the season drawing to a close.