ASSE is excited by officializing the signature of Portuguese defender Chico Lamba, an operation hailed by Walid Acherchour on Winamax FC. This recruit, perceived as a coup de maître for the Stéphanois club, testifies to the leadership’s willingness not to stagnate in League 2. Lamba, considered one of the most promising defenders of her generation, arrives in Saint-Étienne with a solid reputation, especially after a convincing Euro Espoirs 2025. Its profile, focused on the future, led to a record acquisition of 8 million euros, including bonuses, making ASSE one of the most invested clubs in Ligue 2.

The arrival of Chico Lamba is interpreted as a strong signal of ASSE’s ambition to dominate Ligue 2 and to quickly return to Ligue 1. Walid Acherchour highlights the incredible audacity of this mercato, especially given the recent relegation of the club. Investment in young talent such as Lamba, as well as Benauser’s purchasing lever, indicate a clear strategy for building a competitive team, ready to meet the challenge of the second division. This approach is seen as evidence of determination and confidence in the future.

However, Walid Acherchour expressed some regret at the timing of these investments, suggesting that similar action could have been taken in January to try to avoid relegation. Despite this nuance, the Stéphanois leaders seem determined to pursue their future-oriented recruitment policy. More arrivals are expected in the coming weeks, reinforcing the hope of a competitive and ambitious team, ready to make a difference in League 2.