AS Saint-Étienne formalized the signature of Chico Lamba, a 22-year-old young Portuguese central defender from the Arouca club. This arrival, announced after a leak of information, is part of a strategy to strengthen the Stéphanois defensive hinge. Lamba, measuring 1.90m and weighing 86kg, is described as a modern player, capable of reviving properly and reading the game. Trained at the Sporting CP and Arouca player since June 2024, he played 28 games last season, scoring a goal and delivering two assists, demonstrating his promising potential. The arrival of Chico Lamba is seen as a bet on a defensive renewal for ASSE, aiming to stabilize the rearguard and meet the challenges of League 2.

The club hopes that Lamba will form a solid central duo with Maxime Bernaudeau or Mickaël Nadéo, bringing a constant presence, authority on the ground and clean revivals to boost the game. This signature arouses a palpable enthusiasm among fans, who see in Lamba a balance between youth, potential and serious defensive. The arrival of this player marks a turning point in ASSE’s strategy, with the integration of a youth and performance duo. Fans hope that it will become a pillar of green defense as early as the 2025-2026 season, provided that it is adapted quickly.

Chico Lamba himself expresses his joy and pride in joining AS Saint-Étienne, evoking his admiration for the club and his impatience to play before fans in the Chauron. Eirik Horneland, the ASSE coach, highlights the player’s talent and intelligence, as well as his strong personality and winning mind. He is convinced that Lamba is one of the best players of his generation and will contribute positively to the club’s development. The entire team is eager to start working with him.