Mercato update: Bakwa to Lille, RCSA stay busy and more
Get the latest from the mercato as we round up the week's transfers to date in Ligue 1 McDonald's.
Wednesday, August 26
Pierre Ekwah, who remains under contract with AS Saint-Étienne, has joined AJ Auxerre on loan with an option to buy. The 24-year-old midfielder had been on loan at Watford since January. After starting his professional career at Sunderland, he joined Saint-Étienne in the summer of 2024.
Following the departure of Mory Diaw, Le Havre AC has announced the signing of Gauthier Gallon as backup to Lionel Mpasi. The 33-year-old goalkeeper had been playing since last January for Dender, a Belgian top-flight club that was ultimately relegated. He made 16 appearances there during his first stint abroad, having previously played for Nîmes, Orléans, Troyes, and Rennes. A free agent, he has signed a one-year deal with HAC.
Dilane Bakwa joins LOSC 🆕
The 24-year-old French winger arrives on loan from Nottingham Forest! 🤩
𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞❤️@NBFootball pic.twitter.com/FkwtSOyoLR— LOSC (@LOSC_EN) August 26, 2026
After a strong 2024/2025 campaign with Strasbourg (6 goals and 9 assists), Dilane Bakwa is returning to Ligue 1 McDonald's. He has joined LOSC on loan from Nottingham Forest, where he endured a difficult season. Now 24, the former U21 international is set to play for his third club, having started his career with Girondins de Bordeaux.
After parting ways with Grégoire Coudert and bringing in Egil Selvik, Stade Brestois 29 continues its goalkeeper recruitment. Mathieu Patouillet has just signed a contract running until 2029. A product of the Olympique Lyonnais academy, the 22-year-old goalkeeper was a free agent following a stint at Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia), where he made two appearances. He is best known for his time at Sochaux, where he played a total of 65 matches between 2023 and 2025.
Tuesday, August 25
Following the arrival of Isak Jensen, FC Lorient has secured Nosa Obaretin (23) on loan. The Italian defender joins from Napoli, where he never made a first-team appearance. He is coming off two seasons as a starter in Serie B, playing for Bari and then Empoli.
English attacking midfielder Omari Kellyman has signed with RC Strasbourg Alsace, penning a five-year contract. A product of the Derby County academy, the soon-to-be 21-year-old made his professional debut with Aston Villa before joining Chelsea. Last season, he was on loan at Cardiff City in the English second division, where he scored 11 goals in 36 matches.
🆕💥🏴 pic.twitter.com/Ld6hnbJHGs
— Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace English (@RCSA_English) August 25, 2026
Monday, August 24
Elye Wahi, who saved OGC Nice during last May's relegation play-offs, is making his return to the club during this transfer window. The Ivorian forward rejoins on loan from Frankfurt, with an option to buy. Last season, the 23-year-old—who has since made his debut for the Ivory Coast national team—scored nine goals in 19 appearances across all competitions for Nice.
As for FC Lorient—Nice's most recent opponent in Ligue 1 McDonald's (0-0)—Isak Jensen has also joined on a season-long loan with an option to buy from Alkmaar (Netherlands), where he scored 7 goals in 55 matches. The 22-year-old Danish U21 international plays as a left winger.
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