Season Preview #3: Le Havre

With the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season nearing, we’re reviewing every team in the league, giving you all you need to become a Ligue 1 expert. From now until the season kicks off on August 16, we’ll preview two clubs daily, breaking down their key moves and how the season will likely unfold for them.

Le Havre

Founded: 1894

Stadium: Stade Océane

Nickname(s): Le Club Doyen; Les Ciel et Marine

Manager: Didier Digard (first season)

After being hired this summer, Digard will enter his first season as Le Havre’s manager. Despite being 38 years old, Digard has experience on the sidelines, having served as OGC Nice’s interim manager following the dismissal of Lucien Favre in 2023. The French tactician managed 33 games in all competitions for Nice last year, winning 15 matches.

Last season: 15th (32 points)

Cult hero: Arouna Sangante

Sangante is a player to watch as he continues to develop his skills. At just 22 years old, he’s already taken on the role of team captain, which shows a lot of promise for his future growth. The defender came up through the club's youth system and broke into the first team in 2020. After cracking the senior squad, the Senegal native was part of the team that won Ligue 2 in 2022-23 and earned promotion to Ligue 1. Sangante has also made 102 appearances with the first team, scoring four goals and two assists.

Key arrivals:

Le Havre are yet to welcome a big-name arrival. So far, they have brought in three talented youngsters who can flourish into starters for the team. Ismaïl Bouneb has joined from Valenciennes, Ruben Londja has come over from Lausanne II, and Yanis Zouaoui is arriving from FC Martigues.

Key departures:

Le Havre has welcomed more young talent to their squad for the upcoming 2024-25 season, but they also bid farewell to veteran player André Ayew. The 34-year-old joined the French club in 2023 and made 20 appearances, scoring six goals at Le Havre.

Another departure in the attack that Le Havre will have to account for is Mohamed Bayo, who returned to LOSC Lille following his loan stint last season with Le Club Doyen. The 26-year-old recorded five goals and registered one assist with Le Havre.

Season outlook:

Le Havre have a young team with an average age of just 25.1 for the 2024-25 season and will look to avoid relegation after their narrow escape last season. Les Ciel et Marine will rely on several of these young talents to develop into key players as they aim to avoid another relegation struggle. They hope to surprise everyone by challenging for a mid-table finish or even a European spot in the 2025-26 season.

Likely XI (4-3-3): Desmas, Sangante, Lloris, Kinkoué, Operi, Touré, Kuzyaev, Kechta, Casimir, Sabbi, and Kitala

READ MORE:

>>Le Havre manager Didier Digard: "My style is offensive; it reflects my personality."
>>Season Preview #2: Auxerre