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Ligue 2 BKT transfer window: How clubs are building for 2026/27

With just over a month to go before the new Ligue 2 season gets underway, clubs across the division are taking very different approaches to the summer transfer window. While some have prioritised experience and proven performers, others are investing in young talent from abroad or using data-driven recruitment to reshape their squads.
G.BOXALL
Published on 07/16/2026 at 13:00
4-minute read
With just over a month to go before the new Ligue 2 season gets underway, clubs across the division are taking very different approaches to the summer transfer window. While some have prioritised experience and proven performers, others are investing in young talent from abroad or using data-driven recruitment to reshape their squads.

There is no single blueprint for success in Ligue 2 BKT this summer. Some clubs have focused on continuity and experience, looking to build squads capable of challenging for promotion immediately. Others are targeting younger players with significant resale potential, while many are taking advantage of the free-agent market to strengthen their squads without large transfer fees.

Among the busiest clubs have been AS Saint-Étienne. The seven-time French champions have recruited a series of carefully identified young talents from across Europe, including Jakob Breum from Go Ahead Eagles, Mamour Ndiaye from Sarpsborg 08, Thierno Ballo from Wolfsberger AC and Aron Csongvai from AIK Solna. Only centre-back Sohaib Naïr has arrived directly from another French club.

Saint-Étienne continue their data-led model

Saint-Étienne's recruitment reflects the philosophy introduced under Kilmer Sports Ventures. While many Ligue 2 clubs continue to favour players with proven experience in France, the Greens are looking further afield, identifying talent in development leagues such as the Eredivisie, Allsvenskan and Austrian Bundesliga through an increasingly data-driven scouting process. With an average age of around 22 among their new arrivals, the strategy is clear: build a competitive squad while developing players whose value can grow over the coming seasons.

Relegated clubs opt for experience

The two clubs relegated from Ligue 1 have adopted a more pragmatic approach. FC Nantes have strengthened with familiar names such as Maxime Dupé and Lucas Perrin, while also investing in winger Killian Corredor following an impressive spell in Germany. FC Metz, meanwhile, have brought in experienced professionals including Florian Miguel and Jean Ruiz, prioritising players already accustomed to French football or with extensive senior experience. For both clubs, the objective is straightforward: secure an immediate return to Ligue 1.

Looking abroad without overspending

Although Saint-Étienne have been the most eye-catching example of overseas recruitment, they are far from alone. Dunkerque have been particularly active in foreign markets, while Grenoble, Pau, Laval, Annecy, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Sochaux, Red Star and Metz have all added at least one player from outside France this summer. The difference is that, in most cases, these signings have arrived as free agents or on low-cost deals, allowing clubs to diversify their recruitment without taking significant financial risks.

Reims stand apart

If one club has bucked the trend, it is Stade de Reims. For their second season in the second tier since relegation in 2024-2025 Reims have become Ligue 2's biggest spenders so far this summer, investing almost €9 million in new signings. The arrivals of Youssef El Kachati, Samuel Junior Kotto and Tom Hülsmann shows the Champenois side mean business going into the next Ligue 2 campaign. Their spending stands in sharp contrast to the more cautious financial approach adopted by most of the division.

Notable Ligue 2 transfers so far

  • Jakob Breum (Go Ahead Eagles → Saint-Étienne, €3.5m) – One of the standout arrivals of the summer, the Danish winger embodies ASSE's data-led recruitment model. 
  • Thierno Ballo (Wolfsberger AC → Saint-Étienne, €3m) – The Austrian Bundesliga forward adds pace and versatility to Ian Cathro's attack. 
  • Samuel Junior Kotto (Gent → Reims, €4m) – Reims' biggest signing of the window so far and part of an ambitious rebuild following relegation. 
  • Tom Hülsmann (TSV Hartberg → Reims, €2.5m) – One of two goalkeepers recruited by Reims as they reshape their squad. 
  • Youssef El Kachati (NEC Nijmegen → Reims, €2m) – The Dutch-Moroccan striker arrives after impressing in the Eredivisie. 
  • Killian Corredor (Darmstadt → Nantes, €2m) – A proven Ligue 2 performer returns to France as Nantes look to bounce straight back to Ligue 1. 
  • Elyaz Zidane (Real Betis B → Red Star, free) – The son of Zinedine Zidane is one of the headline names of the summer after joining the Audoniens. 
  • Francis Coquelin (free agent → Laval, free) – The former Arsenal midfielder brings a wealth of top-level experience to Stade Lavallois. 
  • Florian Tardieu (Saint-Étienne → Montpellier, free) – An experienced Ligue 2 midfielder reunited with a club looking for an immediate return to the top flight. 
  • Damjan Pavlović (FK Kauno Žalgiris → Rodez) – The Lithuanian league champion arrives as one of Rodez's most intriguing midfield additions.

Read more: 

>> Who Is Ewen Jaouen? The Reims Prodigy Bound for Newcastle

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