Premier League Clubs Target Rennes Striker Esteban Lepaul
Six English clubs are monitoring the 26-year-old forward as he leads the Ligue 1 Golden Boot standings.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Soccer
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Leeds United and Everton are among the six Premier League teams tracking Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul following his strong start to the 2026-27 season. The 26-year-old currently leads the Ligue 1 Golden Boot race with seven goals in seven matches.
Why it matters
Although interest from England is significant, Rennes is under no immediate pressure to sell because the striker is under contract until the summer of 2030. The player is reportedly in no rush to leave, making a mid-season move difficult to complete.
Esteban Lepaul currently leads Ligue 1 with 7 goals in 7 matches this season, recently scoring a hat-trick against Paris FC. He previously recorded 3 goals in 17 matches for Angers in 2024 before his rise to the senior France international team.
The players
Esteban Lepaul
He is a 26-year-old French striker currently playing for Rennes and the senior France national team.
Leeds United
They are a professional football club competing in the English league system.
Everton
They are a professional football club based in Liverpool that competes in the Premier League.
The details
Lepaul demonstrated his finishing ability on October 18, 2026, when he scored three penalties during a 4-3 loss to Paris FC at Stade Jean Bouin. While English clubs are closely watching his progress, internal sources at Rennes remain relaxed regarding his future.
Timeline
2024: Lepaul played second-tier football for Angers.
October 2026: Six Premier League clubs expressed interest in Lepaul.
October 18, 2026: Lepaul scored three penalties against Paris FC.
October 24, 2026: Everton plays Arsenal.
October 25, 2026: Leeds plays Sunderland.
Season Trajectory
Lepaul's ascent to the top of the scoring charts shifts the focus toward his transfer value ahead of the upcoming windows. His performance forces both current league rivals and interested English clubs to adjust their recruitment priorities for the remainder of the season.
The striker's current production of one goal per game makes him a priority target for clubs in need of consistent offensive output. His contract duration through 2030 suggests that any successful transfer bid will likely require a significant financial investment.
The takeaway
Players under long-term contracts allow clubs to maintain leverage during transfer negotiations regardless of outside interest. Observers should watch for summer windows as the most likely time for high-value talent to transition between leagues.
Further reading
For more updates on transfer news and league standings, visit the Soccer section.
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