The ASSE is at a crucial time of summer mercato, with expected movements towards departures while allowing the possibility of some surprise arrivals to be mixed. The files of Pierre Ekwah and Benjamin Bouchouaari are of particular concern, raising many questions internally. Ekwah refuses to train with the team and play in Ligue 2, while Bouchouaari wants to leave the club, especially for the Liga. These uncertainties force the club to explore different tracks to strengthen its field environment, with a priority for a player able to evolve both as a sentinel and relayer, via a loan with option of purchase. At the same time, ASSE is actively looking for a creative environment, with names like Dominik Fitz and Enzo Bardeli being actively followed. The outcome of these cases, including the potential departure of Ekwah and/or Bouchouaari, will determine the extent of future reinforcements.
In parallel with these mercato operations, ASSE prepares to face Grenoble on the 4th day of Ligue 2, an essential match before the international truce. This meeting marks the first poster against a club in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, a region particularly rich in Ligue 2 clubs. The team, which has lifted the option of buying some players and recruited new heads, seeks to regain regularity after a mixed start to the season. The previous match against Grenoble, on the first day, ended in a defeat, despite the opening of the score by Waadjie. The team showed difficulties in realizing its opportunities and conceded the goal equalizing at the end of the game.
The 4th day of Ligue 2 is also marked by important meetings for other teams, such as Reims and Le Mans who are fighting for a place in the top 8, and Bastia and Guingamp who are fighting to avoid relegation. These games have a direct impact on the overall ranking and highlight the importance of victory for ASSE before the truce. Asse’s ambition is to go back to Ligue 1, and summer mercato is a key element of this strategy. The club must therefore succeed in strengthening its staff to compete with other league teams.