AS Saint-Étienne (ASSE) is actively preparing for next season, with a summer mercato loaded with ambitions to return to Ligue 1. The club’s management has put in place a strategy to strengthen the workforce, including by targeting several laterals. Movements are underway, with the official arrival of Irvin Cardonas and Maxime Bernauer, as well as Mahmoud Jaber from the Maccabi Haifa and the acquisition of Chico Lamba. However, several players are likely to leave the club, including Lucas Staassin and Zuriko Davitashvili, attracting interest from many other clubs. Names such as Yvann Mason, Mickaël Nadé and Benjamin Bouchouari could also be courted. Two departures have already been formalized: Pierre Cornud and Ibrahim Sissoko. According to recent information, ASSE would be particularly active in the search for two new laterals, well advanced folders.

The midfielder Aïmen Moueffek joined the ASSE group on Monday, July 7, after a period of individual training. A key midfielder, Moueffek was regularly restrained by injuries throughout his career. His return is crucial for ASSE, who needs his full possession of his means to meet the challenges of the coming season. Despite a 2023-2024 season considered one of his best, his physical fragility remains a concern. The medical staff is working to adapt its preparation to minimize the risk of relapse.

The ASSE summer preparation is also marked by physical alerts. Benjamin Bouchouari had to interrupt his preparation due to back pain, while Djillian Nguessan injured himself in a friendly match. These incidents recall the high-risk period of physical preparation. Aïmen Moueffek, absent at the beginning of the preparation, took adapted training before joining the group sessions. Yvann Mason, also absent at the beginning, is back and participated in this Monday’s session. His future at the club remains uncertain.