According to BirminghamMail, Aston Villa are leading the race to sign the 26-year-old Samuel Yohou, a free agent centre-back who will be released by FC Paris on 1st July. However, the play-off finalists will have to fend off interest from a host of Championship sides who have shown interest in Yohou.
Steve Bruce’s side are rebuilding at the back following a number of departures. Former England and Chelsea captain John Terry left Villa this summer following the 1-0 Premier League promotion playoff defeat to 10-man Fulham.
Tommy Elphick is expected to complete his move to Reading and the Villans have also released Chris Samba. Furthermore, there has been an interest from Premier League sides in James Chester.
Here’s everything you need to know about the former Ivory Coast youth international, who represented Ivory Coast U20 in the 2011 Toulon Tournament.
Background
Samuel Yohou was born in Villepinte, France. He came through the ranks at FC Paris B before making his debut for the senior side in August 2015. The defender joined FC Paris B in the 2012/13 season, making 52 appearances in 4 seasons during which he scored 1 goal and received 12 yellow cards.
He put in some impressive performances for the club in the French second division and that has understandably attracted interest from a number of Championship sides.
Yohou featured 22 times for FC Paris last season, bagging a solitary goal after his return to the club following the end of his loan spell with AS Beziers.
Playing Style
The right-footed 6ft 3in defender was often been deployed either as a right centre-back or a left centre-back throughout last season. He boasts of relatively impressive discipline for a defender. Yohou would be a timely addition to Aston Villa, with Chester’s only cover being midfielder Mile Jedinak and the untested duo, Easah Suliman and Mitch Clark.
Verdict
Villa are also targeting a move for Wigan Athletic defender Dan Burn. Bruce must assemble an all-new defensive unit to challenge for glory next season. That said, signing both players would represent a major breakthrough for Villa as Burn has immense experience playing in the Championship and League One with Wigan. And Yohou would be a great partner for him.
