In great difficulty in Ligue 1, AS Saint-Étienne is preparing to experience a decisive winter transfer window. Currently 16th and play-off, the Forézien club must absolutely raise the bar to hope to remain in the elite. With the arrival of Eirik Horneland on the bench, the Saint-Etienne leaders want to breathe new dynamism into a team sorely lacking in results.
Appointed after the ouster of Olivier Dall'Oglio, dismissed following yet another defeat against Toulouse (2-1), Eirik Horneland arrives with a clear mission: to keep ASSE in Ligue 1. But the Norwegian technician knows he will need reinforcements to achieve this.
The winter transfer window, which opens on January 1, 2025, represents a crucial opportunity to fill the gaps in a squad that is too limited to compete with other elite teams. The club has targeted several profiles to strengthen itself:
• A right central defender to compete with Dylan Batubinsika, currently without any real competitor in his position.
• A defensive midfielder, capable of stabilizing a midfield often overwhelmed in duels.
• A right winger, to provide percussion and offensive solutions on the sides.
• And depending on the opportunities, a striker and a full-back could also complete the squad.
A decisive winter transfer window
Saint-Etienne leaders, aware of the urgency of the situation, will be active from the official opening of the transfer window on January 1, 2025. They will have until February 3, 2025 at 11:00 p.m. to make the necessary movements.
This transfer window could also see some departures. Certain players lacking playing time or whose performance is considered insufficient could be pushed out to free up payroll and offer new opportunities to recruits.
The future of ASSE at stake
With already 10 defeats on the clock this season, ASSE no longer has the right to make mistakes. The coming weeks will be decisive for the club's future in Ligue 1. Managers, staff and players will have to demonstrate unfailing solidarity to reverse the trend.
In Saint-Étienne, the hope of better days now comes through a successful transfer window. The supporters, loyal despite the difficulties, are waiting for strong signals to believe in a maintenance operation. Horneland and his people know what they have to do.
