Étienne Kinkoué Set for Summer Move as Le Havre Prepare to Sell

French defender Étienne Kinkoué is getting attention from many European clubs. Le Havre are ready to sell the 23-year-old center-back for about €5 million. Burnley, Sheffield United, and FC Köln are showing strong interest as Kinkoué looks to advance his career.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Kinkoué has one year left on his contract with Le Havre until June 2026. The club is under financial pressure and needs to sell players. The 195cm right-footed defender played regularly last season and is ready for a new challenge. Le Havre are open to discussions as Burnley, Sheffield United, and FC Köln are keen on signing him.

According to a previous report, clubs often need to sell players to alleviate financial pressure.

KINKOUÉ AND LE HAVRE’S SEASON

Last season, Kinkoué played for Le Havre in Ligue 1, helping the team earn important points to stay in France’s top league. In his last game, Le Havre won 3-2 at RC Strasbourg, and he received a Sofascore rating of 6.3. Le Havre’s next game is against AS Monaco on August 17, 2025. The club aims to improve their position in Ligue 1 after fighting to avoid relegation last season. AS Monaco finished third in Ligue 1 last season, securing a spot in the Champions League group stage. Keeping top players might be challenging, with Kinkoué likely to leave in the summer reshuffle.

WHAT NEXT FOR CLUB AND PLAYER?

If Kinkoué leaves, Le Havre will need to strengthen their defense before the new season starts. Their first match is against Monaco, who finished in the league’s top half last season. For Kinkoué, joining Burnley or Sheffield United would mean moving to the English Premier League or Championship respectively. FC Köln, which had a tough time in the Bundesliga, is another possible destination. The outcome of these talks is likely to emerge before the transfer window closes on September 1, 2025.

As a reminder, AS Monaco will compete in Ligue 1 for the upcoming season starting in early August.