The ASSE club is in the middle of strengthening its staff for the next season, after a previous season marked by defensive difficulties. From the start of the mercato, the team secured the arrivals of Cardona and Bernauer, followed by Mahmoud Jaberrejo. The main goal for the Stéphanois leadership is to rebuild a solid defence, after having conceded 77 goals in 34 days, which was a major weakness in last season. Several departures were recorded, including Yunis Abdelhamid, Anthony Briançon, Pierre Cornud, Louis Mouton and Ibrahima Sisoko, who each took different paths, stressing the need to renew the team.

Despite the financial crisis that affects many Ligue 2 clubs and limits their investment capabilities, ASSE stands out for its ability to invest and recruit players with ambitious profiles. This favorable financial situation allows the club to target competitive profiles without being forced to sell its key players. The ASSE thus set course for Chico Lamba, a young 22-year-old Portuguese central defender, who was impressive at the 2025 European Espoirs Championship. Trained in Sporting Portugal and currently operating at FC Arouca in the Portuguese first division, it is estimated at €3 million, but ASSE is expected to spend more than 6 million to secure its services.

The arrival of Chico Lamba, international Portuguese Hopes, was formalized by ASSE. The player signed a contract with the club from FC Arouca until 2029. Already present in Loire this weekend, he spent his medical examination and sealed his commitment to the Greens. This recruit represents a major investment to strengthen ASSE’s defence and demonstrates the club’s willingness to recover and return to Ligue 1 next season. Lamba’s arrival is seen as a strong signal of ASSE’s ambition and ability to compete with the best teams in the country.