The summer mercato ended without Lucas Staassin leaving AS Saint-Étienne, despite the strong interest of Paris FC. The Stéphanois club strongly refused an offer from the Parisian club, asking for a compensation of 42 million euros for its Belgian attacker. The Paris FC had initially offered 29 million euros with bonuses, but the ASSE, considering Staassin as a key player for its sports project, maintained a high price. This decision confirms ASSE’s ambitious strategy, which focuses on consolidation rather than costly divestitures. In terms of reinforcements, the arrival of Modibo Sisoko, from Guidars FC, was formalized as a loan with option purchase. The situation of Pierre Ekwah remains uncertain, with Levante’s interest, but the ASSE does not want to give gifts and the player could consider a start to a championship where the mercato is later.

The ASSE, relegated to Ligue 2, achieved a substantial mercato, spending EUR 25 million, which places it in a position of strength in relation to its competitors. This ambitious financial strategy led some observers, such as Francck Rizzetto, Grenoble coach, and Bernard Caïazzo, former ASSE president, to compare the club with Paris Saint-Germain resources. This comparison, although flattering, puts additional pressure on the ASSE, which must ensure its return to Ligue 1 given the resources made available by the club.

Despite a relatively calm mercato in terms of departures, the ASSE is preparing for a Ligue 2 season with the clear objective of finding the elite. Eirik Horneland’s team started the season well, placing themselves in a favorable position for promotion. Asse’s opponents are aware of the strength of the Stéphanois club, thanks in particular to its staff and its financial resources. The ASSE must therefore maintain its intensity and determination throughout the season to achieve its goal of returning to League 1.