In addition, among the loaned players (Sissoko, Dong, Sadik, Zuliani) who are returning to their respective clubs, the players with contractual market values (Versini, Kalulu, Touzghar, Meddah, and Pouilly) who could be sold, and the adjustments (Raveyre, Karamoko), President Bernard Laport-Fray announces “a renewed squad at 70%” which will be “a mix of young players and experienced Ligue 2 profiles.” Status report.
Goalkeepers: experienced profile targeted, Raveyre set to depart
Arriving last summer from AC Milan with a three-year contract, Noah Raveyre experienced a challenging season, especially after a concussion in a collision with Ligue 2 top scorer Bentayeb last autumn. At 20 years old, Raveyre is still “a young player who needs more experience.” He will be elsewhere than at Pau FC, which is looking to sell or loan him. Transfermarkt reports a market value of 2 million euros.
To replace him, “we are looking for an experienced goalkeeper,” said Bernard Laporte-Fray, who has had discussions with Bingourou Kamara. As a backup at Lorient, the former Pau player is looking for more playing time as a number 1. Stay tuned for updates.
While Esteban Salles remains the second goalkeeper, Pau is seeking a young third goalkeeper.
Defense: departures, transfers, and a stop
Ranked 19th in defense in Ligue 2, Pau FC needs to improve. “We cannot afford to concede more than 40 goals,” warns BLF, who has tasked Luis De Sousa with strengthening the defensive sector where Neil Glossoa will be a key player amidst numerous departures. Captain Jean Ruiz, whose contract is expiring, will not be extended. He is rumored to be heading to Montpellier. Daylam Meddah, under contract until June 2027, may also leave.
“We won’t sell at any price,” says Luis De Sousa, who should not face difficulties in transferring Joseph Kalulu. The left-back, with one year remaining on his contract, has attracted interest from several Italian clubs (Bologna, Parma) in the winter transfer window. With the most playing time, he represents an interesting market value (valued at 1.5 million euros) for Pau.
For Tom Pouilly, whose contract runs until 2028, a departure is not necessarily on the agenda, unlike Setigui Karamoko. With limited playing time in the second half of the season, Karamoko is expected to bounce back in Ligue 3, provided an agreement is reached due to his contract with Pau until June 2027.
Anthony Briancon underwent knee surgery. He will honor the second year of his contract unless joint issues arise. Ousmane Kanté will not return to the team. A staff role was planned after his contract, but the 36-year-old center-back may opt for a final challenge at a lower level.
Midfield: who will accompany Beusnard and Fall?
After the last home match against Nancy (1-3), Pau FC announced the extension of Steeve Beusnard’s contract until June 2028. At 33 years old, the Hérault player will continue to play a key role in the midfield where the former Ajaccio player Julien Anziani, who arrived in January, could stay, while former Saint-Étienne player Cheikh Fall is expected to progress after a promising season.
Will Rayan Touzghar continue for a second season? Not likely. Despite some finishing flaws, his profile will be of interest. The future of Antonin Bobichon, who played little under Thierry Debès, remains uncertain. Similarly, Kyliane Gasnier’s short-term future seems to lie in Ligue 3.
Regarding arrivals, Pau FC is in talks with Victor Lobry. The former Pau player (2020-2022) whose contract is expiring at Amiens attracts interest from other clubs, notably Dunkerque.
Attack: Pau starts with a clean slate and will not rely on as many loans
Aside from Rayane Messi (formerly of Strasbourg) who left in the winter transfer window, Pau fielded four loaned players in attack this season. Omar Sadik (Espanyol Barcelona) and Edhy Zuliani (Toulouse) did not impress, Omar Sissoko (Paris FC) brought power but was hindered by injuries, and Kyliane Dong (Augsburg) had ups and downs throughout the season.
“We won’t rely on as many loans,” warns Luis De Sousa, who plans to build the future attack from scratch. Being the only forward under contract, Giovani Versini is highly sought after and valued at 4 million euros. A revelation of the season and selected in the Ligue 2 best XI, the Marseille native, with two appearances for the French U21 team, is attracting interest from Saint-Étienne and Cologne (Bundesliga).
