Birmingham City starlet Aurelien Guernier is attracting significant interest from abroad and could leave St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park this summer. The 18-year-old forward, who enjoyed a breakthrough season with the under-21s, is approaching the end of his scholarship at the club.
Impressive Season
Guernier started the previous campaign with the under-18s before earning promotion to the under-21s, where he scored three goals in 15 appearances for a team that struggled in Premier League 2. His performances earned him a spot on the first-team bench for Birmingham's 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers in March.
Blues have offered professional terms to seven second-year scholars, but doubts remain over whether Guernier will commit to the club. Rumors have surfaced in recent days of interest from elsewhere, with the teenager holding dual British and French citizenship.
Strasbourg Interest
French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, owned by BlueCo—the American consortium that controls Chelsea—have been named as one of the interested clubs by French sports daily L'Equipe. Strasbourg, who finished eighth in Ligue 1 last season, have a tendency to recruit young English talent. According to the report, Guernier has been offered to Strasbourg, and the club is interested in signing the academy product.
If Guernier transfers overseas before signing a professional contract, Birmingham City would only be entitled to training compensation, a fraction of his potential market value.
