It’s up to the player to decide…
“Personally, I understand that Franck Haise wants to see Jonathan Gradit join him in Nice. The technician knows him well, he knows that he is reliable and that he would bring his experience to the Aiglons alongside Dante, who does not lack it either, and this while Jean-Clair Todibo seems rather headed towards a departure.
…and to Still, obviously
The question is rather what Racing should do in the event of an offer. We will then see how Will Still positions himself, if he wishes to rely on Gradit or if he prefers to build on other bases. In this case, the position of the player seems very important to me. I can’t imagine the club banning him from going to Nice if he wants to join Haise. Which would be a mistake, it seems to me. Even if it means starting again on new bases, as long as they are healthy. And with players fully involved.”
Laurent HESS
It is absolutely necessary to keep it
Unless there is an express request from the player, I see no reason for RC Lens to part ways with Jonathan Gradit. Firstly because in this summer when the squad should be shaken up, it is important to be able to count on a few veterans, and the ex-Caennais is one of them, he who arrived in 2019 in Artois. He knows everything about the spirit of sacrifice, self-giving and combat that must animate the players wearing the blood and gold tunic. He is also a key player in the locker room, due to his experience and his character. The second reason why I want to keep him is the fact that he is a reliable player. I don’t know if Will Still will count on him in 2024-25 but what is certain is that even if he starts on the bench, Gradit will always give his all when he is on the pitch. I remind you that he only scored one goal last season, at the end of stoppage time against OM (1-0). When his more talented partners had made up their minds and were content with a draw, he escaped from the final corner of the match to deceive Pau Lopez. A leader, Gradit, the kind of player needed when you are about to experience a transition as important as that of Racing.
And then, finally, the last argument: the interest of such a transfer. Already, letting him go to Nice would strengthen a direct competitor for the European places. It would also give a very good player to a club that has become a rival over the course of its dirty tricks in recent years (Ghisolfi, Haise…), not to mention the fact that its ultras are friends with those of LOSC. Finally, his market value is not very high (€4.5 million according to Transfermarkt) and the Gym saw Ineos cut off the money tap. No risk that the Aiglons will put €15 million for him or that Racing will fill a large part of the €100 million expected by Joseph Oughourlian thanks to his departure. Gradit is very happy where he is, he provides excellent services and will be invaluable in the reconstruction of the RCL, whether on the pitch or in the locker room. We’ll keep him!
Raphael Nouet
Register with Genybet to benefit from €250 welcome bonus!
One registration, 2 bonuses: 1 horse racing bonus of €200 and a sports bonus of €50 in Freebets. Euro Challenge: win up to €300 in Freebets by completing 24 challenges. New: cashout and multiboost are now available. See conditions on the site.
To sum up
While OGC Nice is knocking on the door for Jonathan Gradit, should RC Lens let their defender join Franck Haise? This is our debate of the weekend. It pits Laurent Hess and Raphaël Nouet, our two journalists, against each other.
