Mercato Update: Aholou to Angers, Koffi returns and more

With Ligue 1 teams beginning to return to training this Monday, we take a look at some of the recent moves in the mercato

Racing Club de Strasbourg have announced the departure of midfielder Jean-Eudes Aholou to promoted side Angers SCO. In parts of six seasons with the eastern side, the Côte d'Ivoire international, who joined the club before their promotion to Ligue 1, played more than 150 times for the first team. Purchased by AS Monaco in 2018, he returned to Strasbourg, initially on loan, in 2020, before making his spell permanent in 2022. In addition to his time with Monaco, he also spent a season on loan with AS Saint-Étienne, and will now help the ambitious Bretons hold their place in Ligue 1, joining former Clermont Foot winger Jim Allevinah as being part of Le SCO's summer arrivals. 

Another Racing have also been active in the mercato today, with Lens announcing the arrival of Burkinabé international Hervé Koffi from Belgian side Charleroi. Koffi, who has more than 50 caps for his country, previously spent time in Ligue 1 with LOSC Lille, featuring four times in the 2017/18 season. He left the club in 2019 to move to Belgium and now returns to France to back up French international Brice Samba.

Speaking to the club's website, sporting director Pierre Dréossi said of Koffi: "In addition to an exemplary mental state Hervé perfectly embodies the qualities required of a modern goalkeeper. He is particularly distinguished by his play with the ball at his feet, his reflexes and his explosiveness. In recent seasons, Hervé has gained significant experience as a starter for four full seasons in the Jupiler Pro League, as well as by representing Burkina Faso in their national team. His arrival will thus strengthen our team of goalkeepers."

Finally, Stade Rennais, who finished tenth this season, have marked a departure as Swiss international midfielder Fabian Rieder, currently playing in Euro 2024, has joined Bundesliga side Stuttgart on loan. The German team finished second last year, and the move, which includes a purchase option, will allow Rieder the chance to play in Europe next season, as Stuttgart will take part in the UEFA Champions League.

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