​Max-Edgar Chabot, the 18-year-old goalkeeper for SCO Angers, has turned down a first professional contract with his boyhood club and is understood to be nearing a transfer to Manchester City, according to a report from Le Parisien. The Angers outfit have already encountered some setbacks in the goalkeeping department this summer. Hervé Koffi, who shone on loan from RC Lens last season, could not be retained on a permanent basis because Angers were unable to agree a price. As a result, the Ligue 1 side pivoted to signing Anthony Lopes, who was available on a free after his contract with FC Nantes expired.
Now, it appears Angers could be on the verge of losing one of their most promising talents. Le Parisien reports that although nothing has been formally finalised yet, Chabot is close to securing a move to the Premier League powerhouse Manchester City. An agreement could be reached in the coming days, the outlet adds.
Chabot has developed through Angers’ youth system, featuring for the club’s Under-19s, and he also earned a spot with the France Under-17 national team for last autumn’s U17 World Cup. His progress at the academy level has drawn attention from scouts and clubs beyond France, and a move to a top English club would represent a significant step in his career.
The news of Chabot’s potential departure follows a familiar pattern for Angers, who have faced the challenge of retaining young talent amid interest from bigger clubs. The club’s decision to pursue Anthony Lopes as a more immediate option in goal this season demonstrates their pragmatic approach to squad reinforcement, balancing the need for experienced coverage with the opportunity to promote or replace younger players from within their ranks. If Chabot does complete his transfer to Manchester City, it would mark a notable milestone in Angers’ development pipeline, underscoring the club’s ability to produce prospects who attract attention from Europe’s elite.
As the situation unfolds, supporters will be keen to see how Angers manage the goalkeeper position going forward and whether any return paths or loan options might be considered. For Chabot, the pathway to training with one of the world’s most storied clubs would present a chance to sharpen his craft in a highly competitive environment, while also presenting Manchester City with a prospect who could eventually be integrated into their senior setup or used to bolster their cadre of young project players. The developing storyline will be watched closely by those who follow Angers’ youth production and by City fans eager to see which emerging talents the club might add to its expansive talent pool.