Frédéric Arpinon spoke about FC Metz’s roadmap for this winter transfer window. New recruits, exit doors, assessment… Interview with the sporting director of the Grenats.
From Wednesday January 1 to Monday February 3, 2025 (at 11:00 p.m.), the winter transfer window will accompany the rhythm of French club competitions. FC Metz is no exception to the rule, but can already boast of having succeeded in the summer exercise, according to Frédéric Arpinon: “ In any case, we are happy. I obviously speak on behalf of the staff and the coach. We are happy with the recruits, their contribution and their state of mind. The players you just mentioned (editor’s note: Gauthier Hein, Benjamin Stambouli, Jessy Deminguet and Alpha Touré) embody FC Metz and that’s what we wanted ».
If we can make small adjustments, we will not hesitate to do so to improve
Frédéric Arpinon, sports director of FC Metz
An offensive winter transfer window for FC Metz?
« Yes, we always have needs. We have, with the coach, this objective of improving the team “. The message sent by Frédéric Arpinon is clear, even if it will be necessary to temper the potential activity of the Garnets on the transfer market. “ Compared to our first part, we are not going to revolutionize everythinghe explains. If we can at some point, make one or two adjustments, to try to do even better, we will do it. »
Obviously, the question of the arrival of an attacker arises after the poor performance of Simon Elisor (1 goal and 3 assists in all competitions) and Ibou Sané (3 goals and an assist in all competitions) at the forefront of the attack, despite the performance of Cheikh Sabaly (8 goals in Ligue 2), far from being a surprise for the sports director. “ We will see if we strengthen ourselves in this sector, but we do not want to make the mistakes of the pastsays Frédéric Arpinon. We’re looking for a striker, but everyone is looking for a striker, and it won’t be easy », while highlighting the future (official) arrival of Idrissa Gueye. At the age of 18, the striker will arrive from Génération Foot after celebrating his 18th birthday on September 16.
Fali Candé and Kévin van den Kerkhof on the departure?
In a season where some players are in the spotlight, others are working in the shadows. This is particularly the case of Fali Candé, the big loser in Stéphane Le Mignan’s four-man defense, being the understudy of a certain… Matthieu Udol. “ Yes, it’s difficult for Fali. He is a bit of a victim of Matthieu who is for me the best player in Ligue 2. We will see, we will try to find the best compromise for him, but yes, it could be a possibility that he leaves the club », he admits, highlighting his impeccable state of mind in training, despite his low playing time this season (347 minutes in Ligue 2).
For his part, he has regained playing time over the course of the season (241 minutes since the start of November). Departing this summer, Kévin van den Kerkhof should not make any old bones on the Moselle side. “ To be honest, Kévin wants to look elsewhere. If we have a good opportunity we will seize it, and so does he. He wants to see something else. » At least it’s clear.
Young people at the center of attention
There are a few of them waiting their turn for this 2024-2025 financial year at FC Metz. Malick Mbaye (20 years old), Charles Divialle Corbière (20 years old) or even Lilian Raillot (20 years old), these young players will perhaps have to go through the ready box in order to gain playing time and experience. “ They have to find something and go play. They need playing time. We will try to find solutions for them. »
However, certain profiles have emerged on the squad side this season. “ Little Morgan Bokele who plays quite regularly has shown that we can count on him. We also had Joseph Mangondo. For us it is important “. The second city will soon sign his first professional contract, it is in any case “ in the idea of the club, even before he played » just like for a certain Alexis Mirbach who made two appearances in the Coupe de France. Ride youth.
Players at the end of their contract
Alexandre Oukidja, Ismaël Traoré, Ablie Jallow and Aboubacar Lô. They all have one thing in common: they are at the end of their contract next June. If Maxime Colin already extended a few weeks ago, the others will be the subject of discussions despite the “ different profiles ».
A “Ligue 1 notebook” for Frédéric Arpinon?
Move up to Ligue 1 or stay in Ligue 2. If the near future of FC Metz is still unclear at mid-season, the idea of preparing for next season and its many possibilities could already be under study by the Metz board, whatever. “ No, to be honest, we’re not planning yet. It’s a goal to go up. We cannot accept Metz in Ligue 2 “. So be patient.
All the news from FC Metz can be found in the Graoully Mag, every Monday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Related News :