ASSE has made a massive investment in the transfer market, exceeding EUR 19 million since 1 July. This historic sum puts the Forezian club as the most expensive team in League 2 history, surpassing even the record set by AS Monaco in the summer of 2012 under the direction of Dmitry Rybolovliev. The last recruit, Strahinja Stojković, was acquired from the Red Star of Belgrade for about 2.3 million euros, bringing the number of new arrivals to eight. This wave of reinforcements is in addition to an already consistent list of players such as Chico Lamba, João Ferreira, Irvin Cardona, Ebenezer Annan, Mahmoud Jaber, Maxime Bernauer and Lassana Traoré.

This unprecedented investment strategy demonstrates a clear ambition: to ensure the rise of Ligue 1 in 2026. ASSE crushes competition in terms of recruitment spending, with a budget far higher than its rivals competing for promotion. This effort is part of a new financial policy since the purchase of the club by Kilmer Sports Ventures in May 2024. The previous summer had already been marked by a record investment of 23.1 million euros for five key players, demonstrating a willingness to increase the number of players in all lines.

With a considerably reinforced force and a firepower unprecedented in League 2, ASSE is positioned as the great favourite for the first division climb. This ambition is reflected in a new position of leader in the recruitment expenses of the antechamber of the League 1. The massive investment and aggressive recruitment strategy of ASSE illustrate a desire to redefine the club’s status and enable it to quickly regain the elite of French football.