Benfica Goes All In for Estéban Lepaul as Rennes Sets Its Price
The Portuguese club is stepping up its pursuit of one of France’s hottest strikers, but landing him would require a major investment.
Benfica is looking to get ahead in the race for Estéban Lepaul. According to journalist Ekrem Konur, the Portuguese club is stepping up its efforts to sign the Rennes striker and has already gathered information about his contractual situation.
The interest has not yet turned into a formal offer, but Glorioso 1904 reports that Benfica is among the clubs pushing hardest to position itself for a possible move.
The reason is easy to understand. Lepaul is coming off a season that dramatically raised his profile in France and turned him into one of the most attractive strikers on the European market.
Benfica Steps Up Its Pursuit of Lepaul
The Portuguese club’s interest has already moved beyond a simple inquiry. Benfica had representatives in attendance for Sturm Graz vs. Rennes in the Europa League, where several clubs took another close look at the French forward.
Benfica wants to understand every detail before deciding whether to submit an offer, but Rennes has little reason to feel pressured.
Lepaul recently extended his contract through 2030, allowing the French club to negotiate from a position of strength and wait for an offer that truly meets its demands.
Rennes Puts a Huge Price Tag on Its Striker
That is where the biggest obstacle appears for Benfica. According to the information reported by Ekrem Konur, Rennes wants between €50 million and €60 million, approximately $56 million to $67 million.
That figure would require a major investment from the Portuguese side and could make any deal much more complicated.
For now, there has been no formal offer, and Rennes appears to be under no pressure to sell. After Lepaul’s breakout season, the club knows it can afford to wait and see how the market develops around him.
From Ligue 1 Top Scorer to France International
There is a reason behind the valuation. Lepaul finished last season with 21 goals in Ligue 1, establishing himself as one of the standout forwards in French football.
His rise also earned him a first call-up to France under Zinedine Zidane, and the 26-year-old has already made two international appearances.
In a matter of months, the striker went from one of Rennes’ biggest revelations to a player attracting serious attention from major European clubs.
Benfica Is Not Alone in the Race
Interest in Lepaul is not limited to the Portuguese club. Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid have also monitored his development, while other reports have placed Como among the teams keeping an eye on his situation.
So far, none of those clubs are reported to have submitted a concrete offer, but the growing list of suitors shows just how much Lepaul’s status has changed after his breakout campaign.
Benfica appears ready to move before the competition. The problem is that Rennes has already made one thing clear: Lepaul will not come cheap.
Estéban Lepaul’s Future Is Heating Up
- Benfica has stepped up its efforts to sign the French striker.
- Rennes reportedly wants €50 million to €60 million, around $56 million to $67 million.
- Inter Milan, Atlético Madrid and Como have also been linked with Lepaul.
