26/27 Preview #5: Le Havre AC

Le Havre AC begin this Ligue 1 McDonald's in the familiar position of simply looking to maintain their top-flight status, but ambition has been shown in the transfer window, which lends itself to optimism as Matchday 1 approaches.

Last season

A late run of form saw Les Ciel et Marines once again spared from relegation. Unbeaten in four of their last five games in Ligue 1 McDonald's, their defensive solidity relative to those around them was what saved them. With just 44 goals conceded throughout the campaign, they notably conceded fewer than the likes of Marseille, Rennes, and Monaco, all of whom finished inside the European qualification places. It was at the other end where Digard's side had difficulties; only Angers and relegated Nantes scored fewer than the Normand club. It is an issue that Le Havre have looked to address during the current transfer window.

The Coach: Didier Digard

Arguably Le Havre's greatest asset, Didier Digard has kept Le Havre in the top flight on a shoestring budget in the past two seasons. When he arrived, the situation was precarious and he was unproven. His time as interim at former club OGC Nice showed promise but provided no guarantees. He continues to yield the maximum from a side with limited resources.

Key Signings

New sporting director Demba Ba has pulled off a couple of coups since being appointed earlier in the summer. The arrival of Josh Maja is particularly canny. The centre-forward has plenty of experience in Ligue 1 McDonald's (47 appearances, nine goals, two assists) and Ligue 2 BKT (38 appearances, 16 goals, six assists).

Le Havre transfer window 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2dekPJZsNJ
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) July 31, 2026

To back him up, the club have banked on now-former Monaco prospect Joan Tincres. Joining on a free transfer, he is something of a free hit. Junior Mwanga, meanwhile, also arrives with plenty of top-flight experience, as do returning duo Timothée Pembélé and Amir Richardson. There is also a continued focus on the Japanese market with Kaito Mizuta and Sota Nakamura arriving.

Key Departures

The recruitment drive has been made necessary due to the number of departures, all of them either on a free transfer or due to the expiry of their loan. Issa Soumaré, who has left to join Rennes on a free transfer, is a big loss, as is Arouna Sangante, who has joined Sevilla. Sofiane Boufal's short-term deal has also expired, whilst Yassine Kechta, Gautier Lloris, and Loic Nego, who have been the spine of this Le Havre side have also departed. Abdoulaye Touré and Étienne Youté Kinkoué have also left. The disappointment for Le Havre is that they didn't receive a single penny for any of them.

Remember When

It is easy to reference Le Havre's history; after all, they are the oldest team in France. With that comes a status and one that remains thanks to their prestigious academy and its capacity to frequently churn out world-class talent. The likes of Riyad Mahrez and Paul Pogba are obvious recent examples.

What. A. Finish. 🤯

⏱️ 95’: HAC set for the relegation play-off
⏱️ 97’: Penalty awarded to HAC
⏱️ 98’: Touré scores a Panenka
⏱️ FT: Le Havre stays in Ligue 1 pic.twitter.com/CLN8qIpg2Z
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) May 17, 2025

But there is recent history to hark back to, too. One of the most remarkable days in Les Ciel et Marine's recent history is the final day of the 2024/25 Ligue 1 McDonald's season. It was the 99th minute at the Meinau and the current 2-2 score would have seen Digard's side face the dreaded promotion/ relegation play-off. But Le Havre had a penalty. A cool head was needed and they certainly had that in Abdoulaye Touré. He saved the most nonchalant moment in his career for the biggest moment as he panenka'd past Djordje Petrovic, securing a 3-2 win and ensuring that it was Reims that faced the play-off, which they would ultimately lose to Metz.

Cult Hero: Riyad Mahrez

Touré's exploit back in 2025 makes him a candidate for cult hero, but it is hard to look beyond the mercurial Riyad Mahrez, who set Ligue 2 BKT alight before going on to become a serial winner at Leicester City and then Manchester City. Whilst he never played in Ligue 1 McDonald's, and - at a glance - his numbers for HAC don't stand out (70 appearances, 10 goals, 12 assists), it was his technical ability and dribbling that will be remembered at the Normand club.