Le Quotidien du Sport presents the recruits to follow in their new colors. Lacazette, Hamouma, Hunou… One club, one player, first part.
ROMAIN HAMOUMA (Ajaccio)
After ten years of good and loyal service to Saint-Etienne, the 35-year-old striker left Forez after seeing the Greens go down to Ligue 2. Still wanting to play in the first division, Romain Hamouma decided to continue his career at AC Ajaccio with whom he has signed up for a season. By scoring 62 goals in 320 matches, the former player from Caen will bring his qualities as a finisher and his experience.
ADRIEN HUNOU (Angers)
Former Rennes player, the 28-year-old striker returns to the West. With Rennes, Adrien Hunou scored 36 goals in 160 appearances. In April 2021, he joined the United States and the Minnesota United franchise. After a good first season (27 matches, 7 goals), the second did not make an impression with only one start in 9 appearances for no goal and one assist. The French striker, who signed up for three years, will try to revive himself and create a good relationship with Sofiane Boufal.
BENOIT COSTIL (AJ Auxerre)
After a nightmarish season in Bordeaux, and not only on a sporting level, the 35-year-old international goalkeeper joined the promoted with a lot of desire. An experienced player who is a huge asset in the Burgundians’ fight for maintenance. It remains to be seen in what physical and mental state the player trained in Rennes is.
MATHIAS PEREIRA LAGE (Brest)
After three seasons in Angers, the Franco-Portuguese moved to Brittany. The 25-year-old midfielder scored 10 goals and 6 assists in 82 matches with the Angers club. With Stade Brestois, with whom he signed up for three years and who had already contacted him three years earlier (but Clermont requested a transfer), Mathias Pereira Lage will be in competition with Franck Honorat and Romain Del Castillo, for a place of holder on the right side. He will be revengeful after not playing for six months, only to be saved by the injury of Jimmy Cabot.
MAXIME GONALONS (Clermont)
Arrived free of any contract from Granada in the 2nd Spanish division, Maxime Gonalons returns to France after leaving his training club (Lyon) in 2017. After several inconclusive spells at Roma and Seville, the defensive midfielder knows more than well Ligue 1 with 240 matches for Lyon. He also played 35 Champions League matches and 35 Europa League matches, a lot of experience needed in Clermont. Playing midfield as in central defense, Gonalons will be a major asset in maintaining Clermont for his 2nd season in the top flight.
JIMMY CABOT (Lens)
After two seasons at Angers, the 28-year-old Frenchman signed for Lens for four years (and a €2 million transfer), to take a step forward. Trained in Troyes before continuing in Lorient, he performed in Angers, becoming one of the strong men. Coming to the Sang et Or, Jimmy Cabot will be an interesting right piston to be alternated with Jonathan Clauss or Przemyslaw Frankowski. With his speed, percussion and tenacity, he will try to bring play and make back and forth between defense and attack.
MOHAMED BAYO (Little)
For his first season in Ligue 1, the 24-year-old striker had a superb season, scoring 14 goals in 32 matches. His performances have been noticed by several French and foreign clubs. The Guinean international preferred to continue his career in France. For 14 million euros, Mohamed Bayo joins LOSC, accepting a contract until 2027. His ardor and accuracy in front of goal will bring an additional contribution to the northern attack.
GEDEON KALULU (Lorient)
The 25-year-old defender will bring all his versatility. Gédéon Kalulu is capable of playing in all defensive positions. His arrival should compensate for the departures of Mendes and Hergault. Trained in Lyon, the Cameroonian international passed through Bourg en Bresse, before leaving for Ajaccio where he was at the end of his contract. This season in Lorient, he would be in competition, on the right side, with Igor Sylva. He signed up for four years.
ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE (Lyon)
At 31, Alexandre Lacazette returns to his training club, which propelled him onto Ligue 1 pitches, from the 2010/2011 season. With OL, the French striker won a Coupe de France (2012) and a Champions Trophy (2012). He managed to inscribe his name in the history of the club by planting 129 goals in 276 matches. In 2017, the French left Lyon for Arsenal. Alexandre Lacazette, who has signed up for three seasons, will try again to make OL history by qualifying the club for the Champions League.
ARNAUD NORDIN (Montpellier)
Arrived from Saint-Etienne, the winger Arnaud Nordin has everything of a promising player. Its fast and punchy profile seduced the Montpellier decision-makers. Add to that that he was free! Able to play on one side or as a 2nd attacker, he compensates for the departure of Mihailo Ristic. Young (24) and technical, he already has solid experience in Ligue 1 and will greatly help Montpellier achieve its objectives.
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