Angers SCO Squad 2024/25
Angers SCO, a historic club in French football, continues to build a competitive squad for the 2024/25 season. Known for their resilience and ability to nurture talent, Angers has assembled a mix of experienced veterans and promising young players. This season’s roster reflects a strategic blend of defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and attacking firepower. Below, we delve into the detailed breakdown of the squad, categorizing players into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Each player’s profile includes their nationality, career trajectory, transfer history, and key attributes that make them integral to the team’s ambitions.
Goalkeepers
- Paul Bernardoni
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Bordeaux, Nîmes (loan), Marseille
- Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (from Bordeaux in 2020)
Paul Bernardoni remains Angers’ first-choice goalkeeper, bringing stability and leadership to the backline. A product of the Toulouse academy, Bernardoni has honed his skills through loans and permanent moves, establishing himself as a reliable shot-stopper. Standing at 6’3”, he commands his area with authority and boasts excellent reflexes. His distribution has improved significantly, making him a key component in Angers’ build-up play. Bernardoni’s experience in Ligue 1 and his ability to perform under pressure make him indispensable.
- Yan Filipović
- Nationality: Croatian
- Former Clubs: Dinamo Zagreb, Lokomotiva Zagreb
- Transfer Fee: €1 million (from Dinamo Zagreb in 2023)
Yan Filipović, the young Croatian goalkeeper, serves as Bernardoni’s understudy. Signed from Dinamo Zagreb, Filipović is highly regarded for his agility and quick decision-making. Despite his limited first-team appearances, he has shown promise in cup competitions and training sessions. At 22, he represents the future of Angers’ goalkeeping department, with the potential to challenge for the starting spot in the coming years.
- Théo De Percin
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Angers B (youth academy)
- Transfer Fee: N/A (academy graduate)
Théo De Percin, a product of Angers’ youth system, provides depth in the goalkeeping ranks. The 20-year-old has yet to make his senior debut but has impressed in reserve matches. His development is closely monitored by the coaching staff, who see him as a long-term project. De Percin’s shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure make him a valuable asset for the future.
Defenders
- Romain Thomas
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Guingamp, Valenciennes
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (from Guingamp in 2018)
Romain Thomas, the veteran center-back, continues to be a pillar of Angers’ defense. Known for his aerial prowess and tactical intelligence, Thomas has been a consistent performer since joining from Guingamp. His leadership on and off the pitch is invaluable, especially in mentoring younger defenders. Despite his age, Thomas remains a key figure in the squad, contributing with crucial interceptions and clearances.
- Cédric Hountondji
- Nationality: Beninese
- Former Clubs: Clermont Foot, Ajaccio
- Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (from Clermont Foot in 2021)
Cédric Hountondji is a physically imposing defender who excels in one-on-one duels. His strength and speed make him a formidable opponent for any striker. Since joining from Clermont Foot, Hountondji has grown into a reliable starter, forming a solid partnership with Thomas. His ability to read the game and initiate counter-attacks adds another dimension to Angers’ defensive play.
- Vincent Manceau
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Le Mans, Angers B (youth academy)
- Transfer Fee: N/A (academy graduate)
Vincent Manceau, a one-club man, epitomizes loyalty and dedication. The right-back has spent his entire career at Angers, becoming a fan favorite. Manceau’s versatility allows him to play as a wing-back or in a more defensive role. His work rate and crossing ability make him a constant threat down the flank.
- Souleyman Doumbia
- Nationality: Ivorian
- Former Clubs: Rennes, Brest
- Transfer Fee: €2 million (from Rennes in 2022)
Souleyman Doumbia, the Ivorian left-back, brings pace and attacking flair to the defense. Signed from Rennes, Doumbia has quickly established himself as a key player. His overlapping runs and precise crosses provide width to Angers’ attacks. Defensively, he is disciplined and rarely caught out of position.
- Batista Mendy
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Nice, Angers B (youth academy)
- Transfer Fee: N/A (academy graduate)
Batista Mendy, a versatile defender, can operate as a center-back or defensive midfielder. His technical skills and composure on the ball make him a valuable asset in possession-based systems. Mendy’s ability to break lines with his passing has earned him praise from the coaching staff.
- Ousmane Camara
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Angers B (youth academy)
- Transfer Fee: N/A (academy graduate)
Ousmane Camara, a promising young center-back, has emerged as a future star. His physicality and reading of the game have drawn comparisons to some of Ligue 1’s best defenders. Camara’s development is a testament to Angers’ excellent youth academy.
Midfielders
- Angelo Fulgini
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Valenciennes
- Transfer Fee: €3 million (from Valenciennes in 2017)
Angelo Fulgini is the creative heartbeat of Angers’ midfield. Known for his dribbling and vision, Fulgini has been a consistent performer since joining from Valenciennes. His ability to unlock defenses with incisive passes makes him a key player in the final third.
- Thomas Mangani
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Nancy, Napoli
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (from Nancy in 2015)
Thomas Mangani, the experienced midfielder, provides stability and leadership in the center of the park. His set-piece delivery and long-range shooting are valuable assets. Mangani’s experience is crucial in high-pressure situations.
- Azzedine Ounahi
- Nationality: Moroccan
- Former Clubs: RS Berkane, Avranches
- Transfer Fee: €500,000 (from Avranches in 2021)
Azzedine Ounahi, a technically gifted midfielder, has been a revelation since joining from Avranches. His close control and ability to navigate tight spaces make him a fan favorite. Ounahi’s performances have attracted interest from top European clubs.
- Jimmy Cabot
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Lens, Lorient
- Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (from Lorient in 2019)
Jimmy Cabot, a dynamic winger, adds pace and creativity to Angers’ attack. His ability to deliver accurate crosses and cut inside to shoot makes him a versatile threat. Cabot’s work rate and defensive contributions are equally impressive.
- Adrien Hunou
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Rennes, Minnesota United
- Transfer Fee: €2 million (from Rennes in 2021)
Adrien Hunou, a versatile attacking midfielder, brings creativity and goal-scoring ability to the squad. His intelligent movement and link-up play make him a key component in Angers’ attacking schemes.
Forwards
- Loïs Diony
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Dijon, Saint-Étienne
- Transfer Fee: €4 million (from Saint-Étienne in 2020)
Loïs Diony, the experienced striker, leads Angers’ attack with his physicality and finishing ability. His hold-up play and aerial presence make him a focal point in the final third.
- Sofiane Boufal
- Nationality: Moroccan
- Former Clubs: Lille, Southampton, Celta Vigo
- Transfer Fee: €5 million (from Southampton in 2020)
Sofiane Boufal, a technically gifted winger, is known for his dribbling and flair. His ability to create chances out of nothing makes him a constant threat. Boufal’s experience in top leagues adds quality to Angers’ attack.
- Stéphane Bahoken
- Nationality: Cameroonian
- Former Clubs: Nice, Strasbourg
- Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (from Strasbourg in 2018)
Stéphane Bahoken, a powerful forward, combines strength with clinical finishing. His ability to score crucial goals has made him a fan favorite. Bahoken’s partnership with Diony is key to Angers’ success.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 Angers SCO squad is a well-balanced mix of experience and youth. With a solid defensive foundation, creative midfielders, and dynamic forwards, the team is poised to compete at a high level in Ligue 1. The club’s commitment to developing young talent while integrating seasoned professionals ensures a bright future. As the season unfolds, Angers fans can look forward to exciting performances and a team that embodies resilience and ambition.