Saint-Étienne (St. Etienne) Squad 2024/25
Saint-Étienne enters the 2024/25 season with a well-balanced squad that blends experience with promising young talent. The club, with a rich history in French football, looks to establish itself as a competitive force once again. Below is a detailed breakdown of every player in the squad, covering goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards.
Goalkeepers
- Gautier Larsonneur
A composed and reliable French shot-stopper, Gautier Larsonneur has established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for Saint-Étienne. Born in 1997, he previously played for Brest and Valenciennes before making the switch to Les Verts. Signed for an undisclosed fee, his quick reflexes, ability to command the penalty area, and excellent distribution make him a vital part of the squad. His experience across Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 provides leadership to the defensive unit. - Brice Maubleu
A seasoned French goalkeeper, Brice Maubleu was brought in to provide depth and competition for the number one spot. Having spent the majority of his career at Grenoble, he made the move to Saint-Étienne on a free transfer. Known for his shot-stopping ability and strong communication with defenders, he ensures that the squad has a dependable backup option ready to step in whenever needed. - Boubacar Fall
A young Senegalese goalkeeper with immense potential, Boubacar Fall serves as the team’s third-choice option. His agility, strong reflexes, and ability to make key saves have been evident since his arrival from Stade de Mbour. Although still developing, he is regarded as a future first-choice goalkeeper for the club.
Defenders
Anthony Briançon
A robust and experienced French center-back, Anthony Briançon brings leadership and stability to the defensive line. Previously the captain of Nîmes, he joined Saint-Étienne on a free transfer and has since become a key figure in the backline. His aerial dominance, excellent positioning, and ability to organize the defense make him indispensable to the team.
Dylan Batubinsika
A physically imposing defender with a strong presence in central defense, Dylan Batubinsika was signed from Maccabi Haifa. The French-born Congolese international developed through Paris Saint-Germain’s youth ranks before playing for Royal Antwerp in Belgium. His composure on the ball and ability to read the game add significant quality to the defensive setup.
Maxime Bernauer
A versatile defender capable of playing both at center-back and as a full-back, Maxime Bernauer provides tactical flexibility to the squad. Having honed his skills at Paris FC and Guingamp, he joined Saint-Étienne for a fee of around €1.5 million. His well-rounded skill set allows him to be effective in various defensive roles.
Mickaël Nadé
An academy graduate who has been with the club since his youth days, Mickaël Nadé is a committed and disciplined center-back. His physicality and ability to win duels make him a solid option in the defensive rotation. Having gained experience on loan at Quevilly-Rouen, he is now a fully integrated part of the squad.
Dennis Appiah
A French-Ghanaian right-back with vast experience, Dennis Appiah joined Saint-Étienne from Nantes. Previously playing for Anderlecht and Caen, he brings composure, strong defensive attributes, and a willingness to support attacking play. His experience in top-flight football provides the team with a steady and reliable full-back option.
Niels Nkounkou
An attack-minded French left-back, Niels Nkounkou adds dynamism to the squad. Formerly of Everton and Standard Liège, he was acquired for a fee in the region of €2 million. His speed, dribbling ability, and accurate crossing make him an essential part of Saint-Étienne’s offensive transitions.
Midfielders
Aimen Moueffek
A tenacious and hardworking French midfielder, Aimen Moueffek is a product of the Saint-Étienne academy. His box-to-box playstyle, aggressive pressing, and ability to carry the ball forward make him a crucial presence in midfield. Despite being relatively young, his maturity on the pitch makes him a regular starter.
Florian Tardieu
A highly experienced French midfielder, Florian Tardieu was signed from Troyes to add control and composure to the team’s midfield. He excels at dictating the tempo of play with his passing and tactical awareness. His leadership qualities make him a key figure in the dressing room as well.
Victor Lobry
A creative force in the midfield, Victor Lobry’s technical ability and vision allow him to unlock defenses. Having previously played for Pau FC, he joined Saint-Étienne on a free transfer. His knack for threading key passes and delivering accurate crosses makes him an attacking asset in midfield.
Thomas Monconduit
An experienced defensive midfielder, Thomas Monconduit provides stability in the middle of the park. The Frenchman, who previously played for Amiens and Lorient, was acquired to reinforce the team’s defensive structure. His ability to break up opposition attacks and recycle possession makes him a crucial part of the midfield setup.
Lamine Fomba
A physically dominant midfielder known for his strong tackling and ball-winning abilities, Lamine Fomba arrived from Nîmes. His ability to recover possession and transition the team from defense to attack makes him a valuable component of the squad’s structure.
Benjamin Bouchouari
A young Moroccan playmaker, Benjamin Bouchouari brings flair and creativity to the midfield. Previously playing for Roda JC in the Netherlands, he joined Saint-Étienne for around €1 million. His dribbling, agility, and quick decision-making make him a highly effective attacking midfielder.
Forwards
Ibrahim Sissoko
A powerful Malian striker, Ibrahim Sissoko was brought in to lead the attacking line. Having previously played for Niort and Sochaux, he was signed for approximately €2 million. His aerial strength, finishing ability, and ability to hold up play make him the focal point of the team’s offensive structure.
Irvin Cardona
A versatile French forward, Irvin Cardona joined from Augsburg in Germany. A product of the Monaco academy, he is known for his intelligent movement and ability to score from various positions. His finishing and pressing ability make him a dangerous attacking option.
Lenny Pintor
A pacy and skillful winger, Lenny Pintor adds an element of unpredictability to the squad. Having played for Lyon and Troyes, he is comfortable in one-on-one situations and excels at stretching defenses with his speed.
Ibrahim Wadji
A relentless and hardworking forward, Ibrahim Wadji is known for his pressing game and ability to create opportunities through persistence. The Senegalese striker’s agility and quick reactions in the box make him a valuable alternative in attack.
Conclusion
The Saint-Étienne Squad for the 2024/25 season is built for both resilience and attacking flair. With a solid defensive foundation, a hardworking midfield, and a diverse attacking force, the team is well-equipped to compete at a high level. As they aim to reestablish themselves among France’s top clubs, this squad will be pivotal in achieving their ambitions.