The AS Saint-Étienne strengthened its staff with the arrival of João Ferreira, a 24-year-old Portuguese defender from Watford. This recruit is seen as crucial to fill a gap in the defence of the Greens, a sector that has experienced difficulties since the uncertainty surrounding Yvann Mançon. Trained in Benfica Lisbon and already with European experience, Ferreira, measuring 1.85 m, can evolve as a right side, a central defender or a right side. His arrival is part of an ambitious defensive reinforcement strategy, with four other summer recruits: Irvin Cardona, Maxime Bernauer, Mahmoud Jaber and Chico Lamba. Coach Eirik Horneland highlights Ferreira’s multi-faceted, multi-faceted, high-potential resale profile, which is number 13. The player himself expresses his pride in joining a historic club like ASSE and his enthusiasm for contributing to the team’s success.

This recruit also had an impact on the Ligue 2 calendar following the administrative relegation of AC Ajaccio. The US Boulogne Côte d’Opale, third of National 1 the previous season, was named as the opponent of ASSE for the third day of the championship, originally scheduled against Ajaccio. This change of opponent redistributes the cards and offers ASSE a trip to Boulogne-sur-Mer, a club that has already known Ligue 1. After two first days against Laval and Rodez, the Stéphanois team will have to tackle this game seriously, conscious that Boulogne will seek to prove its legitimacy in this new season of Ligue 2.

The arrival of João Ferreira is part of a policy of building a competitive team for ASSE in Ligue 2. This recruit is seen as a major asset for the defensive strength of the club and represents an investment in the future. Stéphanois fans remember the clashes between the two clubs and will be attentive to the team’s performance in this important game. The ASSE will have to remain concentrated in order not to succumb to the motivation of an opponent who wants to make a place in the professional world.