Mercato: New faces from England and more!

A Georgian in green

AS Saint-Étienne have been among the busiet clubs in Ligue 1 since their promotion, with their signings highlighted by Yunis Abdelhamid and Ben Old. That has continued this week with the signing of Georgian international Zuriko Davitashvili from Girondins de Bordeaux. After impressing in a season on loan in La Garonne, he made his move permanent last summer, joining from Dinamo Batumi in his homeland. In 37 appearances last season, he racked up eight goals and as many assists, helping power one of the league's best attacks and will now look to do the same for Les Verts.

Osho to Auxerre

After the signing of Charlie Cresswell by Toulouse FC earlier this week, another Englishman is crossing the channel. Born in Reading, Gabriel Osho has been called up for the Nigerian national team on the back of his strong play at Luton Town in the Premier League last season, but the defender will join AJ Auxerre on a free transfer following the Hatters' relegation from the Premier League. 

Finally, after adding Ethan Mbappé a fortnight ago, LOSC Lille have continued to bolster their midfield, adding Ngal'ayel Mukau from Belgian side Mechelen. The 19-year-old holding player has featured for both Belgium and DR Congo at youth levels and arrives in Lille on a four-year deal.

New signing ✍️ 

The young Belgian-Congolese midfielder, Ngal'ayel Mukau, has signed a four-year contract with LOSC.

Welcome to 𝑳𝑶𝑺𝑪, 𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒂! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/KIpYSgA9GD

— LOSC (@LOSC_EN) July 11, 2024

Midfielders on the move

In the latest departures, Ligue 1 has lost two famous names from among its cadre of midfielders. Veteran Moussa Sissoko, who featured more than sixty times for FC Nantes in his two seasons there, has returned to the Hornets, signing a two-year deal. Khéphren Thuram has followed in the footsteps of his brother and father in making the leap to Serie A, moving from OGC Nice to Juventus on a five-year contract. A product of the AS Monaco academy, he featured for Les Aiglons in more than 160 matches in all competitions, helping the team qualify twice for Europe.

Read more:

Mercato: Diong joins Racing and more

Mercato: Nuamah on a permanent deal

Header: AJ Auxerre