Mercato Roundup: Faivre, Boufal return and more
Catch up on a busy week in the mercato across Ligue 1 McDonald's, including the return of several familiar faces. While none of these players look to have the impact of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia joining Paris Saint-Germain last winter, they could yet tip the balance in the race for survival or Europe.
Faivre joins Auxerre
AJ Auxerre has secured its second signing of the transfer window. After Naouirou Ahamada, AJA announced on Thursday the loan of attacking midfielder Romain Faivre, without an option to buy. The 27-year-old arrives from Bournemouth, but he spent the first half of the season on loan at Saudi Arabian club Al-Taawoun. Wearing the Auxerre shirt, he will return to Ligue 1 McDonald's, a league he knows well, having previously played for AS Monaco, Stade Brestois 29, Lyon, and FC Lorient (135 matches, 27 goals, and 18 assists). He will wear the number 28.
Boufal is back
Sofiane Boufal is back! The 32-year-old Moroccan international has signed with Le Havre AC. A few days ago, he terminated his contract with Union Saint-Gilloise, where he had played for a year and a half (40 matches, 0 goals). Born in Paris, Sofiane Boufal rose to prominence with Angers before playing for LOSC, as well as Southampton, Celta Vigo, and in Qatar.
𝗕𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝘂𝘁 👋🏻 pic.twitter.com/iU03c4KsTE
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) January 13, 2026
Faes arrives in Monaco
Belgian central defender Wout Faes has joined AS Monaco on loan until the end of the season, with an option to buy. Now 27 years old, the former Reims player arrives from Leicester City, where he has played in both the Premier League and the Championship for the past three and a half years. A 28-time Belgian international, he is certainly aiming for the 2026 World Cup, having not been called up to the national team since last June. Wout Faes will also be coached by a fellow Belgian, Sébastien Pocognoli.
Sissoko lands in Nantes
Ibrahima Sissoko is returning to Ligue 1 McDonald's as well. The 28-year-old Malian international midfielder is leaving the German second division and Bochum to join FC Nantes, where he has signed a contract until 2028. A former French youth international, he now represents Mali, with whom he participated in the Africa Cup of Nations (making one appearance). This season, he has been hampered by injuries and has only played 6 matches in the German second division, but the defensive midfielder still managed to score 3 goals.
