Who is Aaron Boupendza? Things to know about emerging Gabonese star

Out-and-out goalscorers are not too easy to come by in the world of football.

So, when one bursts onto the scene as a complete unknown, they usually garner a lot of excitement and attention. And that's exactly what's happened in the case of Aaron Boupendza.

The 24-year old has lit up the Turkish Super Lig in his maiden campaign with Hatayspor, who, in their first ever venture into Turkey's top flight, have surpassed all expectation.

Boupendza's influence on their brilliant season is attracting the interest of a host of Premier League clubs and north of the border, and that interest will likely only grow as time goes on.

So, here's everything you need to know about this emerging Gabonese star.

1. He's banging them in for fun

A goal every 93 minutes is what Boupendza is averaging in this season's Super Lig. That type of scoring doesn't go unnoticed.

The striker has notched 18 times - including four in the first half of a 6-0 win over Antalyaspor - in just 26 league games and sits top of the league's scoring charts.

2. He's versatile

Bordeaux brought Boupendza over from Gabon back in 2016, signing him to play in their reserve team.

Despite a good return of eight goals in 20 games, the striker was sent out on a series of loans.

His first to Ligue 2 side Pau FC went brilliantly, as he scored 15 times in just 21 matches. However, failed spells at Gazelec Ajaccio, Tours and Portuguese outfit Feirense saw him leave France for Turkey in the summer of 2020, without making a senior appearance for Bordeaux.

4. He doesn't have a long-term contract