Eye-catching assets made for Championship - the in-form £1m-rated Pompey striker target
Pompey are chasing £1m-rated Grenoble striker Nesta Elphege in the January transfer window, as revealed by The News yesterday. We’ve got the lowdown on the man targeted to bolster the number nine department.
Eye-catching attributes
It’s easy to see why Nesta Elphege has caught Pompey’s eye. Standing at an imposing 6ft 4in, the striker cuts an impressive and powerful figure - but also operates with a decent amount of mobility. A left-footer, the 25-year-old can be played up to and is adept at holding the ball up, but can also run in behind defences reasonably for a player of his size. Elphege displays a cool eye in front of goal, with his finishes showcasing both power and a deft touch when required.
In-form player
Elphege’s returned four goals and three assists from 16 appearances for Grenoble, but the striker is a man in form with six goal contributions (three goals and three assists) from his past nine outings. Last season, the Paris-born man was impacted by injury and didn’t score in three starts, with six appearances off the bench. In the 2023-24 campaign, Elphege bagged 13 goals in 29 in the French third tier, while an impressive nine goals in 10 were hit in 2022-23, albeit in the fifth division of French football.
Interest from Germany
The News understands Pompey’s interest in Elphege spans a number of months, after he was identified by the club’s recruitment department. That keenness to land the front man to bolster the number nine position remains firm, as the transfer window accelerates. The former Niort man has also attracted interest from Germany, but it’s the Blues who seem to be the most keen of suitors at present.
Injury-hit season
Elphege’s numbers took a hit last term when injuries limited his impact at Grenoble, in his maiden season in the Alps. A couple of problems towards the end of 2024 was followed by a hamstring issue picked up in the warm-up before a game at the end of the year. That limited him to nine games, before a regular run of football this term.
Made for the Championship
Those who have watched Elphege closely are convinced he has the attributes which could adapt to the Championship seamlessly. The players size, strength and high percentage of successful aerial duels all bode well for operating in the English second tier, the player fits the kind of profile in a number nine Pompey are looking for.
Elphege on Elphege
Elphege’s assessment of his attributes chimes with what the clips of the striker show.
When asked about his assets, Elphege has said previously: ‘My profile? I’m a real centre-forward, left-footed, and I have a fairly imposing build that allows me to hold the ball up and flick headers. But despite my size, I’m quite quick, so I also like to make runs in behind.
‘I’m a striker who can hold up play, support, and lay the ball off. I help keep the ball up high. I know things will go well if I do the right things. There’s always an expectation in terms of goals for attackers, and I think I have a good left foot.’