AS Saint-Étienne has officially confirmed the permanent signing of defender Maxime Bernauer, aged 26. The club exercised the purchase option following his loan spell, with the player agreeing to a contract that will keep him at the club until 2027.
Bernauer initially arrived at Saint-Étienne on a six-month loan from GNK Dinamo Zagreb during the recent winter transfer window. While at the Croatian club, the right-back featured in 43 matches, including appearances in the Champions League.
Bernauer`s return to France was intended to help Saint-Étienne consolidate their position in Ligue 1, following their promotion via the playoffs the previous season. However, Les Verts ultimately couldn`t avoid relegation and dropped back down to Ligue 2.
Saint-Étienne is likely hoping that Bernauer`s prior experience in Ligue 2 will be beneficial for a swift return to the top flight. Before his move to Zagreb in 2023, Bernauer spent two seasons in the second tier with Paris FC.
