These eagerly awaited recruits
Loïc Badé (Stade Rennais)
This summer, Loïc Badé changed status. The central defender was transferred to Stade Rennais for € 17m, excluding bonuses, after his very good 2020-2021 season. The former Paris FC and Le Havre player is no longer the young hope he was when he arrived at Racing Club de Lens in July 2020. Now, due to the investment made by the Breton club, he must assert himself as a framework player, capable of passing a defensive course to his team. That's probably a lot of responsibility for a player of only 21 years old. He will have to show that he has very broad shoulders to assume them. But in view of his talent glimpsed in recent years, there is no doubt that he should succeed in sublimating the defense of the Red and Black.
Myron Boadu (AS Monaco)
He completes the offensive arsenal of AS Monaco. A time announced on the side of OGC Nice, Myron Boadu finally arrived this summer on the Rock from AZ Alkmaar for 17 M €. Considered one of the most promising center-forwards of his generation, the Dutchman has a different profile from other Monegasque forwards. Quick and intelligent in his calls, he likes to devour spaces with and without leather. He is also technically at ease, whether in his controls, his discounts or his handling of the ball. At only 20 years old, Mino Raiola's protégé also knows how to show composure in front of goal, as evidenced by his 15 achievements in 31 Eredivisie games in 2020-2021. He should be complementary to Wissam Ben Yedder and Kevin Volland.
The arrival of Myron Boadu at AS Monaco
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)
Free following his end of contract with AC Milan, Gianluigi Donnarumma joined the ranks of Paris Saint-Germain this summer. An arrival that surprised more than one! Indeed, given the excellent performances of Keylor Navas in 2020-2021, the goalkeeper position did not seem to be a priority for the Red and Blue. But, seeing its contractual situation, the Parisian leaders saw a magnificent market opportunity to be seized. However, one question deserves to be asked: how will the cohabitation and competition between the Italian and the Costa Rican be? Because despite his young age - 22 years - the ex-Milanese goalkeeper should not be content with a replacement role. He is already one of the best goalkeepers in the world, as his performances and his title of best player of Euro 2020 prove.
Read also: PSG: Donnarumma-Navas, the goal war will take place
Kevin Gameiro (RC Strasbourg Alsace)
The return!
Thirteen years after leaving Strasbourg to join FC Lorient, Kevin Gameiro returns to Alsace.
The French striker, free after the end of his contract with FC Valence, has signed up with RCSA for the next two seasons.
The 34-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain player must bring his experience to a relatively young group.
But not only.
He must also express his qualities, namely his calls in depth and his efficiency in front of the goal.
A reinforcement which should please the new Alsatian coach Julien Stéphan.
Gerson (Olympique de Marseille)
It will be eagerly awaited. Newly arrived on the Canebière from Flamengo for a significant amount in view of the economic context and Marseille finances - € 25 million according to the Brazilian press, € 18 million excluding bonus according to other sources - Gerson was a request from Jorge Sampaoli. The 24-year-old midfielder, considered one of the best players in the Brazilian championship, must allow Olympique de Marseille to take a step forward. His ability to play with his body to protect the ball, his beautiful technical palette, his vision of the game and his propensity to play forward are all qualities that should give more control in the midfield as well as more momentum. offensive to this Marseille team. The Brazilian will also have a "revenge" to take after a first European experience,at AS Rome and at Fiorentina, rather mixed.
Mattéo Guendouzi (Olympique de Marseille)
This is the other reinforcement of Olympique de Marseille in the midfield.
After a loan from Hertha Berlin, Mattéo Guendouzi (22) signed up with the Canebière club in the form of a loan, with a purchase option that would be around € 10 million.
The midfielder passed by FC Lorient is counting on the coming months to revive and regain the level that was his when he arrived at Arsenal.
Volume of play, impact, ability to orient and play forward, he has all the qualities required to become the boss of Marseille midfield.
A profile truly compatible with the philosophy and expectations of Jorge Sampaoli!
The video of the officialization of Mattéo Guendouzi at OM
Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
It is so far the most important investment in this transfer market in France. Achraf Hakimi (22) left Inter Milan to join Paris Saint-Germain for an amount of € 60m, excluding bonus. The Moroccan, who comes out of a superb season with the Nerazzurri, punctuated by a coronation in Serie A, has all the qualities to make the club of the capital move up a level. The player passed through Castilla, the training center of Real Madrid, is one of the best - if not the best! - the world at his post. He excels both physically and technically. With a large volume of play and a remarkable speed, he can chain races in his right lane. Thanks to his very good technique, and his ability to play with both feet, he is a constant danger for the opposing defenses. By recruiting him,PSG has significantly strengthened on the right side of its defense, one of its problems in 2020-2021. A very nice recruitment!
Justin Kluivert (OGC Nice)
Considered a very promising player after his debut with Ajax Amsterdam, Justin Kluivert (22) struggled to confirm afterwards. The Dutch winger failed to live up to expectations in his first two years at AS Roma or when he was loaned to RB Leipzig last season. This summer, he put his bags on the Côte d'Azur as part of a loan with a purchase option of € 14 million with the hope of finally exploding at the highest level. Under the orders of Christophe Galtier, who knows how to put his offensive elements in value, the son of the illustrious Patrick Kluivert will have all the weapons in hand to demonstrate his talent. And bring OGC Nice back to the European Cup.
Alexander Nübel (AS Monaco)
AS Monaco have decided to strengthen themselves as goalkeepers.
Monaco leaders, taking advantage of his lack of playing time as Manuel Neuer's understudy at Bayern Munich, have signed Alexander Nübel on loan for the next two seasons.
Very strong on his line, at ease face-to-face, the German goalkeeper also knows how to be effective in his raises.
His qualities should help the Rocher club to progress.
He should relegate Benjamin Lecomte, not bad in 2020-2021, on the bench;
unless the latter leaves the ASM by the end of the transfer market.
On paper, the Paderborn-trained goalkeeper is a very good rookie.
He will be closely watched after a season spent in the shoes of a replacement.
Sergio Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain)
After sixteen years spent in the colors of the White House, Sergio Ramos has turned the page of his Madrid adventure. Courted by many big clubs, the experienced Spanish veteran (35) has decided to join Paris Saint-Germain. Like the other Parisian summer recruits, the central defender will be particularly watched. If he was recruited, it is to allow the club of the capital to lift the cup with big ears ... A trophy that he knows well for having won it four times with the Merengue. Beyond his experience, the Spanish international, winner of the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2008 and 2012, must bring his defensive qualities and his irreproachable state of mind. It remains to be seen how the competition will unfold with Presnel Kimpembe and Marquinhos.Except if Mauricio Pochettino decides to evolve, from time to time, with a three axial defense. The Sevilla FC-trained player will also have to get rid of his physical glitches to avoid another complicated season.
Sergio Ramos' impressive career at Real Madrid
Mamadou Sakho (Montpellier)
He returns to Ligue 1. Seven years ago, Mamadou Sakho left France and Paris Saint-Germain to join England and Liverpool.
This summer, he went the other way.
Free after the end of his contract with Crystal Palace, the French international has reached an agreement to engage with Montpellier for the next three seasons.
A reinforcement of choice for the Hérault formation, orphan of its two veterans, Vitorino Hilton and Daniel Congré.
At 31, the left-hander will have to don the costume of boss of the defense of Montpellier.
A role that should suit him!
Georginio Wijnaldum (Paris Saint-Germain)
A few weeks ago, his future was to be registered in Catalonia, on the side of FC Barcelona. Eventually Georginio Wijnaldum caught everyone by surprise and joined Paris Saint-Germain. A superb blow for the capital club, especially since the 30-year-old midfielder arrived for free at the end of his contract with Liverpool. The captain of the Netherlands is a luxury reinforcement for Mauricio Pochettino. Versatile and complete, he should fill some gaps in the Parisian team thanks to his physical and technical attributes. Its volume of play should allow PSG to be more efficient in pressing and recovering. His ability to project himself also offers different tactical possibilities to the Reds and Blues. Not to mention his experience ...Winner of the Champions League in 2019 with the Reds and captain of his selection, he will be expected to help his new team to "dream bigger".
These recruits who might surprise you
Amine Bassi (FC Metz)
By recruiting Amine Bassi (23 years old) for free at the end of his contract with AS Nancy-Lorraine, FC Metz is undoubtedly a very good operation.
The Moroccan, author of 7 goals and 4 assists in 19 Ligue 2 games last season, is an attacking midfielder known for his technical qualities.
Adept at one-touch discounts, he has a good vision of the game. He likes to make his teammates play but is also comfortable to dribble or to conclude actions.
He is the found successor of Farid Boulaya, announced at the start.
But if the latter were to stay with the Garnets, Amine Bassi could form with the Algerian a superb duo of designers.
To the delight of Frédéric Antonetti and the Messins?
Wylan Cyprien (FC Nantes)
With Wylan Cyprien (26), FC Nantes had a great operation.
In the fight for maintenance last season, the Canaries recover an experienced and very complete midfielder.
Combative, enduring, technical, able to project and strike from afar, the former player of Racing Club de Lens and OGC Nice should quickly establish himself as a major asset of the team led by Antoine Kombouaré.
He should also be keen to relaunch after his very mixed 2020-2021 financial year under the colors of Parma.
Konrad de la Fuente (Olympique de Marseille)
Another Olympique de Marseille rookie to watch this season! Konrad de la Fuente (20 years old), trained at Masia, left FC Barcelona this summer to swell the ranks of Marseille training for € 3 million as well as a fairly large percentage on resale. The promising American winger, capable of playing on both sides but with a preference for the left wing, could well be one of the future darlings of the Vélodrome. Very quick, he likes to provoke and eliminate his direct opponent before serving a teammate or trying his luck. Qualities that could allow it to explode in 2021-2022. He should be in competition with Luis Henrique but should have a significant playing time between the matches of Ligue 1, Europa League and Coupe de France that the Canebière club must play. To be continued.
Luan Peres (Olympique de Marseille)
This is not the most famous Marseille rookie. But Luan Peres could surprise the world this season. Arriving from Santos for a check for € 4.5m, the 27-year-old, who was one of the best defenders in the Brazilian league, has all the characteristics to become one of Jorge Sampaoli's strong men in the hybrid position. left defender (left center in the offensive phase, left side in the defensive phase). Tall, rather strong and fast, he has a good reading of the game but is above all very comfortable with the ball, which allows him to play often forward; something appreciated by the Argentine coach. Perhaps one of the nice surprises of this 2021-2022 edition of Ligue 1.
Luan Peres' first moments at Olympique de Marseille
Pablo Rosario (OGC Nice)
With Pablo Rosario (24 years old), OGC Nice has apparently done a great job.
The defensive midfielder, who can also help out in central defense, arrived on the French Riviera from PSV Eindhoven for a check for € 6m.
Solid in the duels, good at recovery, endowed with a large volume of play and rather clean technically, the Dutchman could prove to be decisive in bringing stability to the Nice team, as Christophe Galtier wishes.
A great recruit in perspective which should appeal to Aiglons supporters!
Calvin Stengs (OGC Nice)
He is perhaps one of the finest recruits in this summer transfer market. Calvin Stengs, an attacking player full of promise, left his training club, AZ Alkmaar, to join OGC Nice. Amount of the transaction? 15 M €. The Dutchman is steeped in qualities. Used to playing on the right side of the attack, but also able to evolve into a playmaker position, the 22-year-old is not an overflow or percussion winger. He likes to take down or come back to the axis to organize the game and distill very good balls for his teammates. He is a remarkable designer who should enjoy himself at OGC Nice where he could well combine on his wing with Youssef Atal. His profile is also complementary to those of the other Aiglons attackers. A great reinforcement for the team led by Christophe Galtier.
Kamaldeen Sulemana (Stade Rennais)
He is also one of the possible revelations of the season.
Kamaldeen Sulemana signed at Stade Rennais from FC Nordsjaelland (Denmark) for € 15m.
Only 19 years old, the Ghanaian is an explosive striker, admittedly versatile, but who prefers to play on the left side.
Fast, toned, twirling the ball at the foot, he can create differences on his own.
He also knows how to be decisive, as his Superligaen statistics in 2020-2021 prove (10 goals and 4 assists in 29 matches).
He could form with Jérémy Doku a particularly effective winger duo to sow discord in the opposing defense!
Christopher Wooh (RC Lens)
This is the great pick of the Racing Club de Lens. While playing for AS Nancy-Lorraine, Christopher Wooh joined the Sang et Or for free at the start of the transfer market to sign his first professional contract. The 19-year-old defender is coming out of a remarkable second part of the Ligue 2 season (13 matches, 2 goals). He should digitally replace Loïc Badé, who left for Stade Rennais for € 17 million. Endowed with very good athletic qualities, he is also illustrated by his intelligence in the placement. Characteristics that should allow him to express himself in the RCL's three-way defense. With very little experience at the top level, Christopher Wooh has a good room for improvement, as Arnaud Pouille had mentioned when he arrived:"This is a young talent who obviously has room for improvement but whose potential had not escaped strong competition from France but also from abroad", had confided the Lensois general manager about him. A young player to watch this season!