Le Havre AC Squad 2024/25
Le Havre Athletic Club (AC), one of France’s oldest football institutions, has assembled a dynamic and diverse squad for the 2024/25 season. Under the guidance of head coach Didier Digard, the team aims to make a significant impact in Ligue 1. This comprehensive overview delves into the players by position, offering detailed insights into their backgrounds, nationalities, previous clubs, and transfer details.
Goalkeepers
1. Mathieu Gorgelin
Born on August 5, 1990, in France, Mathieu Gorgelin brings a wealth of experience to Le Havre’s goalkeeping unit. Standing at 187 cm and weighing 83 kg, he began his professional career with Olympique Lyonnais in 2010. During his tenure at Lyon, Gorgelin served primarily as a backup, making sporadic first-team appearances. In 2019, seeking regular playing time, he transferred to Le Havre AC. Since then, Gorgelin has been a reliable presence between the posts, known for his shot-stopping abilities and leadership at the back.
2. Arthur Desmas
Arthur Desmas, born on April 7, 1994, in France, is another seasoned goalkeeper in Le Havre’s roster. Measuring 196 cm in height, Desmas began his professional journey with Chamois Niortais FC in 2014. After gaining valuable experience, he moved to Clermont Foot in 2018, where he played a pivotal role in their promotion to Ligue 1. In 2022, Desmas signed with Le Havre AC, bringing his commanding presence and aerial prowess to the team’s defense.
3. Paul Argney
The youngest of the trio, Paul Argney was born on May 23, 2006, in France. At just 18 years old, he stands as a promising talent for the future. Argney joined Le Havre’s youth academy in 2021 and has since progressed through the ranks. In 2023, he was promoted to the senior squad, reflecting the club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. While he awaits his first-team debut, Argney is highly regarded for his reflexes and composure under pressure.
Defenders
1. Gautier Lloris
Born on July 18, 1995, in France, Gautier Lloris is a central defender known for his tactical awareness and leadership qualities. He began his career with OGC Nice in 2014, where he developed through their youth system. In search of regular first-team football, Lloris transferred to AJ Auxerre in 2018. His consistent performances caught the attention of Le Havre AC, leading to his signing in 2022. Since joining, Lloris has been integral to the team’s defensive solidity.
2. Étienne Youté Kinkoué
Étienne Youté Kinkoué, born on January 14, 2002, in France, is a young and versatile defender. Standing at 188 cm, he possesses the physical attributes ideal for a central defender. Kinkoué’s professional journey commenced with Inter Milan‘s youth setup in 2019. Seeking senior team opportunities, he moved to Le Havre AC in 2023. Despite his young age, Kinkoué has showcased maturity and composure, making him a valuable asset for the club’s future.
3. Loïc Négo
Loïc Négo, born on January 15, 1991, in France, is a seasoned right-back with a wealth of international experience. His career began at FC Nantes in 2008, followed by a stint with AS Roma in 2011. Négo later found success with MOL Fehérvár FC in Hungary, where he became a fan favorite. In 2023, he returned to France, signing with Le Havre AC. Négo is celebrated for his pace, crossing ability, and defensive diligence.
4. Mathéo Bodmer
A product of Le Havre’s esteemed youth academy, Mathéo Bodmer was born on May 6, 2004, in France. Primarily playing as a left-back, Bodmer has been with the club since 2023. Despite his young age, he has demonstrated potential with his defensive acumen and ability to support forward play. Bodmer’s development is closely monitored, with expectations of him becoming a mainstay in the team’s defense.
5. Oualid El Hajjam
Born on February 19, 1991, in France, Oualid El Hajjam is a right-back known for his consistency and work ethic. He began his professional career with Amiens SC in 2011, playing a crucial role in their ascent to Ligue 1. In 2022, El Hajjam made the switch to Le Havre AC, bringing his experience and defensive solidity to the squad. His reliability makes him a trusted figure in the team’s backline.
6. Yanis Zouaoui
Yanis Zouaoui, born on April 28, 1998, in France, is a versatile defender capable of playing both centrally and on the left flank. Standing at 183 cm, he joined Le Havre AC in 2024, signing a contract until 2027. Zouaoui’s adaptability and defensive prowess have added depth to the team’s defensive options.
7. Yoann Salmier
Born on November 21, 1992, in French Guiana, Yoann Salmier is a central defender with a commanding presence. His professional journey began with RC Strasbourg in 2014, where he contributed to their promotion campaigns. In 2023, Salmier signed with Le Havre AC, bringing his aerial strength and defensive experience to the squad. His leadership qualities have been invaluable, especially in organizing the defense during set-pieces.
Midfielders
1. Yassine Kechta
Yassine Kechta, born on February 17, 2002, in Morocco, is a central midfielder renowned for his technical ability and composure under pressure. A product of Le Havre’s youth academy, Kechta progressed through the ranks before making his professional debut in 2021. His passing range, vision, and defensive discipline make him a vital component of the team’s midfield. Although still young, he has already attracted interest from bigger clubs due to his ability to dictate the tempo of the game.
2. Oussama Targhalline
Moroccan midfielder Oussama Targhalline was born on May 20, 2002, and brings a blend of defensive grit and creative playmaking to the squad. He started his career at Olympique de Marseille, where he made his professional debut in 2021. Seeking more first-team opportunities, Targhalline joined Le Havre AC in 2023, solidifying their midfield options. His strength in duels and ability to carry the ball forward make him a crucial link between defense and attack.
3. Rassoul Ndiaye
Rassoul Ndiaye, a French midfielder born on December 11, 2001, joined Le Havre AC in 2023 from FC Sochaux. Known for his tenacity and relentless work rate, Ndiaye is a box-to-box midfielder capable of influencing both ends of the pitch. He possesses excellent tackling skills and contributes with late runs into the box. His high energy and pressing ability make him a key asset in Le Havre’s midfield structure.
4. Josué Casimir
A versatile midfield operator, Josué Casimir was born on June 27, 2001, in France. Having developed through the ranks at Le Havre, Casimir has grown into an important squad player. Primarily playing as an attacking midfielder, he also offers width when deployed on the flanks. His dribbling ability, combined with a knack for finding pockets of space, adds a creative spark to the team’s attacking play.
5. Abdoulaye Touré
Guinean midfielder Abdoulaye Touré, born on March 3, 1994, is one of the most experienced players in Le Havre’s midfield. He began his professional journey at FC Nantes, where he played for over a decade before moving to Genoa in 2021. After a brief spell in Italy, Touré returned to France, joining Le Havre in 2024. His defensive midfield capabilities, leadership, and experience provide balance and stability to the squad.
Forwards
1. Mohamed Bayo
Mohamed Bayo, a powerful striker from Guinea, was born on June 4, 1998. Standing at 188 cm, he possesses a commanding physical presence and an eye for goal. Bayo started his professional career at Clermont Foot, where he was instrumental in their promotion to Ligue 1. After a brief stint with Lille OSC, he joined Le Havre AC in 2024, aiming to spearhead their attack. His ability to hold up play and clinical finishing make him the focal point of the team’s offensive setup.
2. Nabil Alioui
Born on February 18, 1999, Nabil Alioui is a French forward known for his agility and flair in the final third. A former AS Monaco academy graduate, he signed for Le Havre AC in 2020. Alioui’s versatility allows him to play across the front line, whether as a winger or a second striker. His dribbling skills and ability to take on defenders make him a constant threat to opposition defenses.
3. Antoine Joujou
French forward Antoine Joujou, born on June 3, 2002, is an emerging talent within the Le Havre Squad. He progressed through the club’s youth academy and has gradually been integrated into the first team. Joujou is recognized for his quick movement, intelligent positioning, and ability to find space in the box. Though still developing, he is expected to play an important role as a rotational attacking option.
4. Ylan Gomes
Another exciting prospect, Ylan Gomes, was born on July 20, 2003, in France. A pacey and skillful winger, Gomes has been with Le Havre since his academy days. His acceleration, technical dribbling, and ability to deliver precise crosses make him an effective wide player. As he gains more experience, he is expected to become a key figure in Le Havre’s attacking setup.
Conclusion
Le Havre AC’s 2024/25 squad is a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and promising young talents. The club continues its tradition of developing future stars while reinforcing the team with seasoned professionals. Under the leadership of Didier Digard, Le Havre will be aiming to compete effectively in Ligue 1 and establish themselves as a solid force in French football.
