Saint-Étienne Midfielders 2024/25

The 2024/25 season marks a significant chapter for AS Saint-Étienne as they return to Ligue 1 after a successful campaign in Ligue 2. Central to their aspirations this season is a dynamic and diverse midfield lineup, blending youthful vigor with seasoned expertise. This article delves into the profiles of the midfielders who don the green jersey, highlighting their backgrounds, career trajectories, and contributions to the team.

1. Aimen Moueffek

Aimen Moueffek, a 23-year-old French midfielder, has been a cornerstone for Saint-Étienne since his promotion from the youth ranks. Known for his versatility, Moueffek seamlessly transitions between defensive and central midfield roles, offering tactical flexibility to the squad. His journey with the club began in his formative years, and he has since developed into a reliable first-team regular. While specific transfer fees are not publicly disclosed, Moueffek’s value to the team is evident through his consistent performances and commitment to the club’s ethos.

2. Mathis Amougou

At just 18, Mathis Amougou has emerged as one of the most promising talents in French football. Born in France, Amougou’s technical prowess and vision have drawn attention from top European clubs. His development within Saint-Étienne’s youth system culminated in his first-team debut, where he showcased maturity beyond his years. In February 2025, his potential was recognized by Chelsea FC, who secured his transfer for approximately €15 million. Despite his departure, Amougou’s contributions during the first half of the season were instrumental in solidifying the midfield’s resilience and creativity.

3. Ben Old

Hailing from New Zealand, 22-year-old Ben Old brings a unique flair to Saint-Étienne’s midfield. Before his tenure in France, Old honed his skills at Wellington Phoenix, where his performances in the A-League caught the eye of European scouts. In July 2024, he made the leap to European football, joining Saint-Étienne for an undisclosed fee. Old’s agility and playmaking abilities have added a new dimension to the team’s attacking strategies, making him a valuable asset in both domestic and international fixtures.

4. Florian Tardieu

With a wealth of experience, 32-year-old Florian Tardieu serves as the midfield general for Saint-Étienne. A French national, Tardieu’s career includes notable stints at FC Sochaux-Montbéliard and ES Troyes AC, where he was instrumental in their midfield setups. In the summer of 2024, seeking a new challenge, Tardieu transferred to Saint-Étienne, bringing leadership and a strategic mindset to the squad. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and mentor younger players has been invaluable in the club’s Ligue 1 campaign.

5. Jebryl Sahraoui

Norwegian prodigy Jebryl Sahraoui, aged 19, is among the fresh faces in Saint-Étienne’s midfield lineup. Developed through the youth system of Vålerenga Fotball in Norway, Sahraoui’s technical skills and composure on the ball have been his standout attributes. In August 2024, he made his move to Saint-Étienne, aiming to elevate his game in one of Europe’s top leagues. While his transfer fee remains undisclosed, Sahraoui’s potential makes him a promising investment for the club’s future.

6. Benjamin Bouchouari

At 23, Dutch-Moroccan midfielder Benjamin Bouchouari has become a pivotal figure in Saint-Étienne’s engine room. Before his arrival in France, Bouchouari showcased his talents at Roda JC Kerkrade in the Netherlands. His dynamic style of play and ability to break defensive lines led to his acquisition by Saint-Étienne in 2023 for a fee reported to be around €1 million. Since then, Bouchouari has been a consistent performer, contributing both defensively and offensively, and has become a fan favorite for his relentless work ethic.

7. Antoine Gauthier

French midfielder Antoine Gauthier, 20, is another testament to Saint-Étienne’s commitment to nurturing young talent. Rising through the club’s esteemed youth academy, Gauthier’s vision and passing accuracy have earmarked him as a future star. He made his senior team debut in the 2024/25 season, and while he continues to develop, his performances have already shown glimpses of his potential to become a mainstay in the midfield for years to come.

8. Thomas Monconduit

Veteran midfielder Thomas Monconduit, aged 33, brings a wealth of experience to the Saint-Étienne Squad. A French national, Monconduit’s career has seen him play for clubs like Amiens SC and FC Lorient, where he was known for his defensive midfield capabilities and leadership on the pitch. In 2024, he joined Saint-Étienne on a free transfer, aiming to bolster the midfield with his experience and provide guidance to the younger players. His tactical awareness and ability to read the game have been crucial in tight matches, offering stability and composure under pressure.

9. Louis Mouton

At 22, French midfielder Louis Mouton is carving out a niche for himself in Saint-Étienne’s lineup. A product of the club’s youth system, Mouton’s box-to-box capabilities and stamina make him a versatile option for the coaching staff. He broke into the first team in the 2023/24 season and has since been working diligently to secure a regular starting position. Mouton’s dedication to the club and continuous development reflect Saint-Étienne’s philosophy of promoting homegrown talent.

10. Lamine Fomba

French midfielder Lamine Fomba, 26, adds a robust presence to the Saint-Étienne midfield. Before his current tenure, Fomba developed his skills at AJ Auxerre and later at Nîmes Olympique, where he was a key figure in their midfield.

11. Cheikh Fall

At 20 years old, Cheikh Fall is a burgeoning talent in Saint-Étienne’s midfield ensemble. Originating from Senegal, Fall’s journey began at the prestigious Diambars FC, renowned for producing top-tier African footballers. In the summer of 2024, Saint-Étienne recognized his potential and secured his transfer for a fee in the region of €500,000. Fall’s playing style is characterized by his defensive acumen and ability to disrupt opposition play, making him a valuable asset in shielding the backline. His adaptability allows him to function both as a central defensive midfielder and a center-back when required, showcasing his tactical versatility.

12. Mathieu Cafaro

French midfielder Mathieu Cafaro, aged 27, brings creativity and experience to the Saint-Étienne squad. Before his tenure with Les Verts, Cafaro developed his career at Stade de Reims, where he was instrumental in their midfield, contributing both goals and assists. In July 2024, seeking to enhance their offensive midfield options, Saint-Étienne acquired Cafaro for a transfer fee of approximately €2 million. Known for his vision, set-piece proficiency, and ability to operate across various midfield positions, Cafaro adds depth and dynamism to the team’s attacking endeavors.

13. Pierre Ekwah

At 23, French midfielder Pierre Ekwah is a recent addition to Saint-Étienne’s lineup, joining the club in the 2024/25 season. Standing at 1.89 meters, Ekwah’s physical presence is complemented by his technical skills, making him a formidable force in the midfield. Prior to his move, Ekwah was part of West Ham United‘s youth setup, where he honed his abilities and gained valuable experience. His versatility allows him to function effectively as a defensive midfielder, providing a robust shield for the defense, and his composure on the ball aids in transitioning play from defense to attack seamlessly.

Conclusion

AS Saint-Étienne’s midfield for the 2024/25 season is a blend of youthful promise and seasoned expertise. Each player brings a unique set of skills and experiences, contributing to a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level in Ligue 1. The club’s strategic acquisitions and commitment to developing talent underscore their ambition to not only maintain their top-flight status but also to challenge for honors in the seasons to come.