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Mercato: Monaco, Lille and Rennes strengthen

Rennes continued their prolific summer recruitment with another arrival, while Lille, Strasbourg, Monaco and Auxerre were among the clubs to strengthen during another busy week of transfer activity across Ligue 1 McDonald's.
G.BOXALL
Published on 07/10/2026 at 11:08
4-minute read
Sadibou Sané arrives at AS Monaco (Photo Credit: AS Monaco)

The summer transfer window continued at full speed across Ligue 1 McDonald's, with clubs adding youth, international experience and long-term potential ahead of the new season.

Rennes continue their recruitment drive

No club has been busier than Stade Rennais, who welcomed two more arrivals during the week.

The Bretons completed the signing of American right-back Bryan Reynolds from Belgian side Westerlo, with the 24-year-old putting pen to paper on a deal until 2030. A seven-time United States international, Reynolds arrives after making 119 Belgian top-flight appearances over the past three seasons.

Rennes had already reinforced their attack by bringing in Spanish Under-21 international Eliezer Mayenda. The former Sochaux academy graduate joins from Sunderland after helping the English club secure promotion to the Premier League before returning to Ligue 1 McDonald's to continue his development.

Lille and Strasbourg invest in youth

LOSC continued their impressive recruitment strategy by completing the signing of Turkish Under-21 winger Başar Önal from NEC Nijmegen. The 22-year-old enjoyed an excellent campaign in the Eredivisie, contributing seven goals and seven assists, and joins compatriot Berke Özer in Lille on a contract running until 2030.

Earlier in the week, Lille had also secured the arrival of Swiss Under-19 right-back Loun Srdanovic from Servette, another highly-rated young defender handed a long-term deal.

RC Strasbourg Alsace were equally active. Argentine left-back Mateo Del Blanco arrived from Unión Santa Fe after already surpassing 100 senior appearances in his homeland, while Polish goalkeeper Milosz Piekutowski signed from Jagiellonia Białystok.

The Alsatian club also added another exciting young prospect with the arrival of 17-year-old Swedish attacking midfielder Benjamin Brantlind from IFK Göteborg.

Monaco and Lyon continue to build

AS Monaco strengthened their defence by signing Senegalese centre-back Sadibou Sané from FC Metz. The 21-year-old, who made 37 Ligue 1 McDonald's appearances last season, signed a five-year contract in the Principality.

Monaco also brought in highly-rated midfielder Aymen Assab from Paris Saint-Germain's academy following the appointment of new head coach Filipe Luís.

Olympique Lyonnais, meanwhile, added Burkina Faso international Mohamed Ouedraogo from Austrian side SCR Altach. The attacking left-back signed until 2031 after scoring four goals and providing three assists last season.

Auxerre, Toulouse and Le Havre reinforce

AJ Auxerre continued an ambitious recruitment campaign by signing three players during the week.

Mauritanian international goalkeeper Mamadou Diop arrived from Grenoble, before left-back Sékou Fofana joined following two seasons with Lausanne Sport. The Burgundy club also secured the services of highly-rated 18-year-old Chinese attacker Xiangxin Wei, who already has almost 30 senior appearances in Chinese football.

Toulouse FC strengthened their defence with the signing of versatile 20-year-old Ivorian Christ Tapé from Danish club AC Horsens, while Le Havre welcomed Japanese attacking midfielder Kaito Mizuta after an impressive season in Germany's third division.

More movement across Ligue 1

FC Lorient completed the signing of France Under-20 midfielder Gabin Bernardeau from OGC Nice after his breakthrough campaign with Le Mans.

Paris Saint-Germain also added another promising goalkeeper, recruiting 18-year-old Alessandro Longoni from AC Milan's academy after Renato Marin departed on loan.

Meanwhile, former Angers and Nice forward Billal Brahimi returned to Le Mans, where he previously enjoyed an outstanding loan spell that earned him a place in the Championnat National Team of the Season.

With pre-season now underway across France, clubs continue to reshape their squads, and plenty more business is expected before the Ligue 1 McDonald's campaign gets underway next month.

READ MORE: 

>> Mercato: Ligue 1's continued investment in young goalkeepers

>> Who is Eliezer Mayenda? Meet Rennes' hot new forward

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