ASSE confirmed the presence of Joris Gnagnon in training. But why did the Greens choose the 24-year-old defender as a reinforcement?
Joris Gnagnon will officially be an ASSE player on January 1
It is Joris Gnagnon that ASSE chose to strengthen itself during the winter transfer window in January. Having already landed in Saint-Étienne, he is training alone for the moment, while waiting to integrate the collective training of the Greens. Claude Puel confirmed the arrival of the central defender at AS Saint-Étienne at a press conference on Tuesday, before the match against Stade de Reims, this Wednesday (7 p.m.). “I confirm that Joris Gnagnon will train with us and that he will be completely part of the squad from January 1st”, he validated.
The Franco-Ivorian full-back arrived at ASSE to fill the absences of Harold Moukoudi and Saïdou Sow who should join the African Cup of Nations (CAN) with their respective selection Cameroon and Guinea from January 9 to February 6 2022. But why the management of the Loire club chose Joris Gnagnon who has not played since March 2020? In difficulty at Sevilla FC, his contract was then terminated by the Andalusian club for professional misconduct in September 2021.
The 3 reasons for choosing AS Saint-Étienne
Three reasons explain the choice of ASSE. First, Joris Gnagnon is free from any commitment and was recruited for 0 euros, so without transfer compensation. However, it is no secret that the Stéphanois do not have the means to recruit millions. Second, he has the advantage of knowing the French championship well, because he was trained at Stade Rennais (2014-2016), then played in Ligue 1 with the Breton club for four seasons, between 2015 and 2018, then on loan from Seville during the 2019-2020 financial year. The new player of AS Saint-Étienne has 110 matches in the Rouge et Noir jersey, including 89 in Ligue 1.
The third reason is the presence of Jean-Luc Buisine, boss of the recruitment of Stéphanois. Former head of the Rennes recruitment unit (2013-2019), he knows Joris Gnagnon well. He is undoubtedly involved in the latter’s arrival at ASSE. In addition, Claude Puel appreciates the native defender of Seine-Maritime. “Joris Gagnon is an available player with great potential, who wants to revive himself”, said the coach of Stéphanois on Tuesday to the press.
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