According to Portuguese sources, the midfielder Rafael Luís, aged 20, would be interested in the Racing Club in Strasbourg and could be loaned by Benfica with option of purchase. This information comes as Racing moves to strengthen its workforce for the new Ligue 1 season. The club has already integrated fourteen new players, including purchasing options and loans, and rumors of transfers persist. A transfer to Strasbourg would represent an opportunity for Rafael Luís to acquire playing time, notably under the direction of Filipe Coelho, a man he knew during his young years in Benfica. This would be his first experience outside Portugal after having spent fifteen training seasons at Benfica, with a limited participation in the first team and a brief visit to the World Cup Clubs with the United States.

As the Ligue 1 recovery approaches, Racing is preparing to face Metz in an Eastern derby. After a seventh place 2022-2023 season, the team, led by Liam Rosenior, aims to progress and become less predictable. Rosenior stressed the importance of the experience gained by the players and their role in integrating newcomers. Despite some absences due to injuries or suspensions, notably for Saïdou Sow, Soumaila Coulibaly and Diego Moreira, Racing relies on its determination to achieve a positive result.

The meeting between Metz and Strasbourg, which will take place on 17 August, will be broadcasted on the Ligue 1+ platform with comments from Vincent Petitpéz and Felipe Saad. Particular attention was paid to the fans of both teams, with the FC Metz Ultras being allowed to attend the game after initially being deprived of their rostrum. Similarly, 700 Strasbourg supporters are expected in the opposing gallery, transported by bus from Strasbourg. This configuration promises an electric atmosphere for this passionate derby.