Promoted pair Troyes and Le Mans prepare for the Ligue 1 challenge
Promotion to Ligue 1 McDonald’s brings excitement, but also an immediate need to prepare for a considerable rise in standards.
For ESTAC Troyes and Le Mans FC, two of the clubs entering the top flight this summer, the opening weeks of the transfer window have therefore been about strengthening without abandoning the foundations that earned them promotion.
Troyes have made one of the most eye-catching moves among the promoted clubs by completing the signing of Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach from Melbourne City.
The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract running until 2031 after emerging as one of his country’s standout performers during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Beach started for the Socceroos during the tournament and arrives in France with six senior international appearances. The goalkeeper, who will celebrate his 23rd birthday in August, was also part of the Melbourne City side crowned Australian champions at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
His move represents a significant investment for ESTAC, who reportedly paid €1.7 million to bring him to the Stade de l’Aube.
The transfer was facilitated by the connection between the two clubs, with both Troyes and Melbourne City belonging to the City Football Group. Beach will now attempt to establish himself in European football while helping the Champagne club consolidate their place in Ligue 1.
He is one of several players to have joined or returned to the Troyes squad this summer. Midfielder Iron Gomis has arrived on a free transfer following his spell with Azerbaijani side Zira FK, while central defender Junior Diaz and left-back Yasser Larouci returned from their respective loans.
Larouci has since moved on to Le Mans, where the Algeria international has become part of another promoted club’s carefully planned recruitment drive.
Le Mans relying on continuity and character
After securing two successive promotions, Le Mans are preparing for their first Ligue 1 campaign since 2009/10. The Sarthe club have undergone changes behind the scenes following their takeover by Brazilian investment fund Outfield. Former Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Bruno Cheyrou has joined the project as a football adviser, while Alexandre Jeannin has been added to the recruitment department alongside Sébastien Sirot.
Olivier Thomas, meanwhile, was promoted to sporting coordinator at the beginning of July. Despite the restructuring, Le Mans have been determined to preserve the spirit of the squad that finished second in Ligue 2 BKT last season. A significant number of promotion-winning players have agreed new contracts, including Antoine Rabillard, Edwin Colas, Maxime Delbecque, Alexandre Hatfout, Jordan Bretelle, Maxime Voyer, Lucas Buades, Arnold Vula Yohou and Théo Vercruysse.
The club’s early additions have all been selected partly for their previous experience of French football’s top division. Larouci arrives after spells with Troyes and Sheffield United, while Billal Brahimi has represented Angers SCO, OGC Nice and Stade Brestois 29 in Ligue 1.
Centre-forward Louis Mafouta has also joined after scoring 15 Ligue 2 goals for EA Guingamp last season. The Central African Republic international previously experienced the top flight with FC Metz and has signed a contract running until 2028.
Mafouta’s profile responds to a specific request from head coach Patrick Videira, who wanted to add a recognised finisher with the desire to prove himself at Ligue 1 level.
Further recruitment will be required before the season begins. Le Mans are expected to continue using the three-man defence that played an important role in their promotion and are prioritising reinforcements across the back line.
Two central defenders, a right-sided wing-back and potentially another option on the left are being targeted. A left-footed box-to-box midfielder and an additional forward could also arrive, with at least five or six more signings anticipated.
However, the club must operate within strict financial limits. Le Mans’ budget is expected to be approximately €25 million, placing them among the smallest financial powers in the division. Their means should be comparable to those available to Angers SCO and Le Havre AC during the previous Ligue 1 campaign.
The club nevertheless begin the season from a stable position, with no debt and the backing of their new ownership. Rather than overspending in an attempt to guarantee survival, their objective is to recruit intelligently while maintaining the unity and determination that carried them through the divisions.
For both Troyes and Le Mans, survival will depend on adapting quickly to Ligue 1 without losing their identity. Beach’s arrival gives ESTAC a promising international goalkeeper around whom they can build for the long term. Le Mans, meanwhile, are placing their faith in continuity, Ligue 1 experience and a meticulous recruitment process.
Different methods, but the same immediate ambition: ensuring that promotion represents the beginning of a new era rather than a brief return to the elite.
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