The ASSE transfer window is accelerating. Aware of the colossal project that the Saint-Etienne leaders must carry out, the two newcomers Huss Fahmy and Jaeson Rosenfeld have worked hard. Moreover, after having validated their passage to the DNCG, the major maneuvers will now come to fruition. Despite everything, decision-makers keep in mind the uncertainty of TV rights.
Abdelhamid, imminent arrival at ASSE
It’s an open secret but the arrival of the former Reims central defender is no longer in doubt. At 37, the captain of the Stade de Reims will wear the star jersey. After receiving confirmation from foot mercato this Thursday: ” According to our information, the former Reims captain has finally reached an agreement with Saint-Etienne. All that is missing is the signature and the medical examination to complete this file. As a reminder, Abdelhamid will sign up for a one-year contract and an optional year. ” and the team added clarifications to this. Indeed, the newspaper adds: ” This Monday, Yunis Abdelhamid will have his medical examination in Saint-Étienne […] In the process, the Moroccan international central defender (36 years old), who had other offers, in France and abroad, should therefore commit to ASSE (promoted to L1) for one year, plus an optional year. »
Ben Old, the New Zealand press confirms!
According to the local newspaper nzherald, Ben Old should wear the ASSE jersey. “Old is believed to be close to agreeing terms with French Ligue 1 club St Etienne and will move after the Paris Olympics. There may be some final paperwork to complete but it’s safe to assume Old will play for Les Verts (AS Saint-Etienne) next season. It’s an exciting, if unusual, destination. The only other Kiwi to play for a Ligue 1 club was Bill Tuiloma, who spent four years at Marseille between 2013 and 2017.”
This first passage therefore indicates that the player should arrive after the Paris Olympic Games!
Difficulty adapting?
The New Zealand newspaper also adds that it will take time for the latter to adapt but that he has the cards in hand to establish himself in Europe. “His form last season – with five goals and four assists – attracted the interest of many clubs, as his analysis and production could not be ignored. It is understood there have been inquiries from clubs in England, Denmark, the Netherlands and the United States (MLS).
While it is a significant step up from Ligue A, they obviously believe he can make the grade. There will be a settling-in period, but Old should get game time from the first season. There will be a physical, tactical and technical adaptation required, while it will also be difficult off the pitch, as only two players in the current ASSE squad do not have French as their first language, while the coach and most of his squad are also French speakers.
