Excitement is in the air in the French football league, as teams prepare for the upcoming 2024/25 season with numerous fresh signings. Here’s the latest on some key acquisitions by Ligue 1 clubs.
Lyon Welcomes Back Georgian Striker Georges Mikautadze
Following a remarkable Euro 2024 with Georgia, striker Georges Mikautadze has returned to Lyon, signing a four-year contract valued at €18.5m. The deal, originating from FC Metz, marks a significant homecoming for Mikautadze, who played for Lyon’s youth teams from 2008 to 2015.
Born in Lyon, Mikautadze made history by becoming the first player from France to score a hat-trick in a major international competition for another country. His three goals for Georgia propelled the team to the last 16 in their debut tournament in Germany this summer, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Spain with a 4-1 defeat.
During the latter part of the 2023-24 season, Mikautadze was on loan at Metz from Ajax, where he impressively scored 14 goals in 20 appearances and provided 4 assists. Despite his efforts, Metz faced relegation from Ligue 1.
After his stellar Euro 2024 performance, Mikautadze attracted interest from numerous European teams. However, his strong connection to Lyon led him to prioritize joining his hometown club, even if it meant a lower salary.
He reunited with his Lyon teammates at their pre-season training camp in Austria a few days ago. The team is set to play several friendly matches before heading to Germany to face Union Berlin and subsequently Arsenal in the Emirates Cup.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg Moves to Marseille From Tottenham
Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has made the switch to Marseille from Tottenham on an initial loan agreement.
He featured in 39 matches for Spurs the previous season, though he started in only 10 of them, as Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr were generally preferred over him.
The 28-year-old will transfer to Marseille with a deal that includes an obligation to purchase for £17m. Hojbjerg moved to Tottenham from Southampton in August 2020, amassing 184 appearances for the team.
Hojbjerg represents Marseille’s fifth acquisition of the summer, marking one of the club’s most active offseasons in recent years.
RC Lens Acquires Malang Sarr From Chelsea
Last week, RC Lens revealed the signing of Malang Sarr on a two-year deal extending through 2026, with an option for an additional year.
The 25-year-old defender arrives on a free transfer after reportedly agreeing to a mutual termination for the final year of his Chelsea contract.
Sarr, who had been with Chelsea since the summer of 2020, played only 8 games for them. During his time there, he was loaned out to Porto and AS Monaco. In total, he departs Chelsea with 21 appearances and a FIFA Club World Cup medal to his name.
A departure from Chelsea was anticipated by many, given Sarr’s limited playing time with the first team. This transfer offers Sarr a new beginning and a chance to rejuvenate his career in Ligue 1.
Experienced Defender Thomas Meunier Joins Lille
Belgian defender Thomas Meunier has signed a two-year contract with Lille, following his tenure with the Turkish club Trabzonspor.
At 32, Meunier is nearing the latter stages of his career but has demonstrated he still has several years left to play. He previously secured the Ligue 1 title three times with Paris St Germain and was part of the Belgium team that finished third in the 2018 World Cup.
Before joining Trabzonspor, Meunier was associated with Borussia Dortmund, participating in 8 matches after missing the initial part of the season due to injury. His move to the Turkish league happened in February, where he made 14 appearances and netted 1 goal.
Meunier is anticipated to add valuable experience to his Ligue 1 team, which will be competing in the Champions League this season after finishing fourth last season. He is Lille’s third acquisition this transfer window, following the signings of Ethan Mbappe and Ngal’ayel Mukau.