The winter transfer window will begin on Wednesday January 1 and end on Monday February 3 at 11 p.m. With a squad of 26 professional players but with many injured and involved in three competitions (L1, Champions League, Coupe de France), will Brest be active? “I think we will look at what is on the market in the defensive sector,” explains Grégory Lorenzi. Offensively, we have choices, we have people but in the defensive area, it would be important to be able to rebalance certain things. We will think about all that, depending on the opportunities.”
In January, it is often an extra transfer window with possibilities for players who need playing time and sometimes lack rhythm.
The defensive sector, the priority
Last season, Stade Brestois conceded 34 goals in 34 Ligue 1 matches. It has already conceded 27 in 15 league matches this season. On the specific positions targeted, the sports director extends his vision: “I like players capable of playing in several positions, who can play in the axis of defense and on one side. Defensive, for me, is behind and in midfield. We will look for versatility. Will we find her? In January, it is often an extra transfer window with possibilities for players who need playing time and sometimes lack rhythm. We could also go for players who are not yet ready to be starters but more capable of entering into a rotation and who will be part of the club for the long term. When I took Félix Lemaréchal on loan two years ago, we didn't really understand why I went for a stranger. But he is a good young man who was ultimately sold for eight million by Monaco to Strasbourg. What is certain is that we should not expect bling-bling, we will look for consistency.”
Behind, it is especially the left-back position which has been singled out in this first part of the season. Intermittent, Massadio Haïdara gradually gained strength when Jordan Amavi, his understudy, appeared in great difficulty. “I expected more from this position,” confides Lorenzi. These are the players who tell us certain things and their performances lead us to readjust or not. I have confidence in this group, because I chose it. But on the other hand, they must also be able to live up to expectations in terms of requirements.” If the name of Lilian Brassier, in the tough in Marseille, was able to circulate for a return to Brest this winter, nothing has been started in this direction.
Camblan, only departure planned for the moment
In terms of departures, Axel Camblan, under contract until 2027 but 24 minutes in L1 and zero in the Champions League this season, could seek playing time elsewhere. “It would be good to try to find a solution for him to progress,” explains Grégory Lorenzi. He's a boy we count on, he must be rewarded even if it's not easy for him at the moment. We are thinking about a loan for him this winter. We agreed to see how things would evolve for him over the first six months. And if his playing time was not enough, we could open the door to a departure.” Two years ago, Camblan was loaned for six months to Concarneau, which was then playing in Ligue 2.
