Following their defeat to FC Metz in the relegation play-off, Stade de Reims will join AS Saint-Étienne and Montpellier HSC in dropping down to Ligue 2 next season. Reims` squad, which is likely to be dismantled, contains several talented players. Individuals such as Valentin Atangana, Yehvann Diouf, Amadou Koné, and Keito Nakamura now present significant transfer opportunities for clubs seeking value. Here, we highlight six players from the relegated Ligue 1 teams who could be excellent acquisitions.
Valentin Atangana (19) – Reims
Despite Reims` relegation, Atangana`s first full season in Ligue 1 has likely boosted his chances of a transfer. The France U21 international`s performance saw fluctuations, starting strongly under Luka Elsner, experiencing a dip, and finishing the campaign well before struggling in the play-off. Such inconsistency is typical for a young player in their debut season, particularly when tasked with being a `firefighter` in a struggling side. Atangana excels in covering ground, is combative, and strong in retaining possession. However, playing as a No.6, he was sometimes expected to perform miracles and was left defensively exposed. His athletic abilities couldn`t compensate for covering the entire pitch alone. His profile is expected to be highly attractive to clubs in Ligue 1, who often face financial constraints, and potentially even Premier League teams.
Lucas Stassin (20) – Saint-Étienne
Lucas Stassin arrived for a considerable fee (€10m) last summer and initially found it difficult to justify the price tag. However, his form improved significantly as the season progressed, culminating in him finishing as Saint-Étienne`s leading scorer in Ligue 1 with 12 goals. His season ended due to injury, which undoubtedly impacted ASSE`s results in the final matches. While his finishing can still be inconsistent, Stassin`s natural poacher`s instinct combined with his direct style of running makes him a difficult opponent for defenders. He also possesses strong link-up play, providing five assists in Ligue 1. Reports suggested his form would have earned him his first senior Belgium call-up during the upcoming international break had he remained fit.
Whether Stassin truly represents a `bargain` remains to be seen. Saint-Étienne are now financially stable and are not compelled to sell their key players. However, if Stassin pushes for a move, Les Verts might be forced to negotiate. It`s been reported they could demand up to €20m. Yet, considering the current market for centre-forwards, a 20-year-old potentially on the verge of the Belgium squad and proven in Ligue 1 is certainly a gamble worth taking.
Bećir Omeragić (23) – Montpellier
Montpellier has already seen several valuable players depart, including Mousa Al-Taamari, Akor Adams, and Arnaud Nordin in January, alongside Maxime Estève the previous season. While promising midfielders like Khalil Fayad and Joris Chotard (a silver medallist at last summer`s Olympics) remain, neither had a standout campaign and are unlikely to command large transfer fees this summer. This contrasts with Bećir Omeragić, who, despite being part of the worst defence in Ligue 1 last season, still emerged with some credit. The Swiss international embodies the modern centre-back profile, being calm and progressive with the ball and a strong defender within the box, making him effective in a low block. Montpellier`s financial difficulties mean a sale is necessary, placing buying clubs in a strong negotiating position. He could potentially be available for as little as €5m, which represents excellent value for a player of his quality who has already been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League.
Yehvann Diouf (25) – Reims
Yehvann Diouf demonstrated throughout the season that he is ready for a top club. He was arguably the primary reason Reims avoided automatic relegation. The Ivorian boasts the best post-shot expected goals (xG) figures not just in Ligue 1, but across Europe`s top five leagues, while also ranking fifth for the most saves in those leagues. Diouf was frequently left exposed during the campaign but proved to be a crucial last line of defence and, statistically, the best goalkeeper in Ligue 1.
As the best shot-stopper in the league, the Reims captain should be a target for some of France`s elite clubs. Teams like OGC Nice and AS Monaco are currently in the market for goalkeepers this summer, and Diouf should not be overlooked. At 25, he is young for a keeper yet already wears the armband and has accumulated significant experience. This was Diouf`s third full season as Reims` number one, and despite the team`s relegation, it was his most impressive.
Zuriko Davitashvili (24) – Saint-Étienne
Zuriko Davitashvili is perhaps the name that truly stands out. The Georgian is part of the exciting wave of emerging Georgian talent, alongside players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze. In his debut Ligue 1 season, he recorded an impressive nine goals and eight assists – a significant contribution for a player in a relegated side. Davitashvili is an eye-catching player, though accommodating him sometimes requires tactical compromises, as there are suggestions he can be overly individualistic. However, his profile is currently back in fashion, similar to Rayan Cherki at Lyon, albeit at a different level. Both fall into the category of creative `mavericks` that the game seemed to be moving away from recently. Cherki is now one of the market`s most desired players, and Davitashvili could follow suit. Like Stassin, he might be difficult to acquire due to Saint-Étienne`s strong financial position; they are under no pressure to sell. However, Davitashvili, who spent the previous season in Ligue 2 with Girondins de Bordeaux, will be eager to avoid taking a step back in his career.
Keito Nakamura (24) – Reims
While Junya Ito is naturally expected to be linked with a departure, and Mamadou Diakhon with a significant move to the Bundesliga, Keito Nakamura had the most impactful campaign among Reims` forwards. Like his countryman Takumi Minamino at Monaco, Nakamura required time to adapt to Ligue 1. He arrived with high expectations in his first season but didn`t fully meet them. This season, however, he delivered, scoring 11 goals in Ligue 1 – a substantial return for a player operating from the wing.
A versatile forward with a proven eye for goal this season, he would represent an interesting, and now likely affordable, option for many Ligue 1 clubs.
