Saint-Étienne target Salis Abdul Samed and Mohamed Bamba moves

AS Saint-Étienne’s return to Ligue 1 is yet to go as planned. A defeat to AS Monaco on the opening day would have been expected, however, returning to the Stade Geoffroy Guichard, they would have expected a better result against fellow relegation candidates Le Havre AC. The 2-0 defeat to Didier Digard’s side shows that there is work to do, and ahead of the closure of the transfer window in under a week’s time, recruits are expected to arrive at ASSE.

As per L’Équipe, a move for RC Lens’ Salis Abdul Samed is in the pipeline. The Ghanaian international had a strong 2022/23 campaign but suffered a drop-off last season. He has now been placed into the “loft” at Lens, with Les Sang et Or pushing him towards an exit. Les Verts are considering a loan move for the midfielder, whilst a move for his team-mate, Stijn Spierings, also being pushed towards the exit, is also being considered.

As well as a midfielder, Saint-Étienne are also looking to recruit a striker, and whilst a move for Ligue 1 stalwart Andy Delort had been considered, it is thought that the newly-promoted side are looking at a more youthful profile. Mohamed Bamba, who last season was relegated with FC Lorient, is a priority target, however, they are behind other clubs in the race to sign the forward, L’Équipe understands.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle