Stade Rennais have completed the signing of Senegalese international Diafra Sakho on a permanent basis from West Ham. The 28 year old becomes SRFC’s first major signing of the January 2018 winter transfer window, and at the time of writing, their second most expensive of the 2017/18 season (summer plus winter windows put together) after young Ismaila Sarr from Metz. Continue reading
Ligue 1 clubs Marseille and Monaco are said to be interested in taking Portuguese starlet Renato Sanches on loan next season. The Euro 2016 winner’s development at Bayern has stalled this season owing to limited opportunities under coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has mostly preferred to back experienced players, and a move to France could revitalise his career.
Champions League semifinalists Monaco, who are also likely to feature in the CL next season, with the 2016/17 Ligue 1 title all but in their grasp, would be an attractive destination for Sanches, who would’ve been greatly encouraged by seeing the way Anthony Martial and Kylian Mbappe were developed by ASM. Continue reading
PSG have completed the signing of Lorient striker Kevin Gamiero. Moments after his signing he gave an interview to PSG.fr where he explained his decision to move the the French capital, despite interest from a number of Premier League clubs.
Kevin, you’ve literally just signed for PSG. What are your first feelings?
“I’m very happy and very proud. It’s my home club. My family and friends are here. I’ve always dreamed of playing at the Parc des Princes, scoring goals in this stadium. It’s fantastic! I really love PSG. I’ve supported the club since I was a kid. They’ve got a very exciting project here.”
You had a lot of clubs chasing your signature. In the end, the fact that PSG isn’t playing Champions League football next season wasn’t a factor…
“No. I thought long and hard about my transfer. I chose PSG because it’s a huge French club. I think next season, the club could have a really great campaign. And PSG is my club!”
Did Laurent Blanc’s words of advice influence you?
“All the media were at that press conference. I took his words into account. We’re one year out from Euro 2012 and you shouldn’t take too many risks. I’m really, very happy.”
You hail from the Paris region. Did you go to the Parc des Princes when you were younger?
“I went to several matches with my dad. They were always great games with a fabulous PSG team. I really liked Marco Simone. When I watched PSG play, I used to tell my parents that one day I’d be out there! That’s going to happen next year. I really liked Simone’s style. He was a pure striker with fantastic instincts.”
Have you set yourself any aims, both personal and collective, for the coming season?
“For myself, my aim is always to do better than the season before. I will try and have a good preseason and adapt to my new club and teammates as quickly as possible. We’ll see what happens from there. We know we have to have a good season. We need to make a good start to the championship.”
Every season you’ve been a pro, you’ve scored more goals than the season before. So next season you’ll score at least 23 next year…
“Touch wood! I’ll be trying to get there, but the key is to have a good preseason. My understanding with my new teammates will develop during the preseason friendlies and during the first games of the championship. I’m not worried about that.”
You’ll debut at the Parc des Princes in the opening day of the Ligue 1 season against… you’re former team Lorient!
“It’s a really important match because it’s crucial to start well. It will be my first game at the Parc des Princes – I hope I play!! Playing against my mates at Lorient will be great.”
Everton are thought to be chasing Lorient defender Ecuele Manga, who has impressed in Ligue 1 this season.
It’s also claimed Lille, Marseille and PSG have been alerted to the qualities of the Gabon international, who moved to his current club from second division Angers.
The 22-year-old’s existing contract with Lorient still has three years left to run, but the central defender admits he is flattered by the interest particularly from Everton boss David Moyes.
“I am delighted with all this attention on me,” Manga told skysports.com.
“I have a contract until 2014 but Everton is a fantastic club and I would be delighted to even be considered for their team.
“I love the passion at Goodison Park. But like I said, it is only paper talk and neither I nor the club have been approached.”
Dijon have completed the signing of Boulogne’s long-serving striker Gregory Thil.
Thil joined Boulogne back in 2007 and has been influential for them over the past four seasons, including helping them to achieve promotion to Ligue 1 in 2010 with 18 goals that season.
Dijon who recently won promotion to Ligue 1 will be looking to strenghthen over the summer to give themselves every chance of avoiding the drop at the first time of asking. A proven goal-scorer such as Thil will be a welcome addition to their squad.