The season so far: Best summer transfers
With twenty percent of the Ligue 1 McDonald's season in the books, we take a look at some of the new faces in the division and their impact for their teams. From veterans making their return to the league where they made their name to a prolific young Argentine, each of this quintet has impressed since their arrival.
Nayef aguerd, olympique de marseille
It seems a lifetime ago that Nayef Aguerd joined Dijon from Moroccan side AS Rabat, and now the veteran Morocco international is back in the league where he made his name, first with the Burgundy side and then with Stade Rennais. Having played with West Ham and Real Sociedad and helped his country to a historic run in the 2022 World Cup, he brings assuredness and experience alongside fellow revenant Benjamin Pavard, the two adding needed steel to the team's defence. He's also proved a dangerous aerial threat, having scored a header to win Le Classique against Paris Saint-Germain last month.
𝗡𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗳 𝗔𝗴𝘂𝗲𝗿𝗱's decisive header lit up the @orangevelodrome! 🌋🏟️😍#SublimeCôteDivoire ✨pic.twitter.com/Tt7MalS126
— Olympique de Marseille 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@OM_English) September 23, 2025
Joaquín Panichelli, RC Strasbourg
While much has been made of the connection between Liam Rosenior's young side and Chelsea, one of the most influential players for the Alsatians has been Panichelli, who joined after a prolific season in the Spanish second division. Able to play as a lone striker or alongside captain Emanuel Emegha, his five goals lead the division, and that two of them have come in 1-0 wins has made his side legitimate challengers for the top four.
The #TopScoreur race is ON 🍿
Joaquín Panichelli & Ansu Fati 🇦🇷⚔️🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/mWVA3JXaHF— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) October 5, 2025
Ansu Fati, AS Monaco
Despite only being on loan, Fati has been a hit since returning from injury last month. With six goals in five matches, he's provided an instant injection of offense to a side that's been hard-hit by injuries, allowing the team to keep a toehold in the Champions League and domestically.
Florian Thauvin, RC Lens
Now with his fourth Ligue 1 McDonald's side, the native of Orleans has experienced a rebirth after returning from nearly a decade abroad. Providing a focal point for a young Lens side, he's showed every bit of skill as well as a dogged character especially as the team has earned big results playing with ten men. His latest laurel is a recall to the French national team after six years away.
Thauvin is back in the French team 🇫🇷😍 pic.twitter.com/GNtsYUrdJo
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) October 7, 2025
Eric Dier, AS Monaco
A longtime standout for Tottenham Hotspur, the versatile midfielder/central defender was one of the first players to move this summer, signing a pre-contract agreement with the Principality side in May. An ever-present in defence since his arrival, he's added veteran nous to a young side which has struggled with the absence of many of its most experienced players through injury.
Which of these five has made the biggest impact in Ligue 1 McDonald's this season?
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