LIGUE 1 SEASON PREVIEW | Depleted and disrupted, but Lorient set for comfortable campaign
One To Watch: Romain Faivre – Retaining Romain Faivre was a crucial bit of business. The AS Monaco academy product looked a shadow of the player he was at Stade Brestois when he joined Olympique Lyonnais. However, during his six-month loan spell at FC Lorient last season, he looked reborn. In 17 games for Les Merlus, he scored five goals and registered three assists, and most importantly, was the club’s most creative outlet. Faivre needs to replicate that purple patch over a prolonged period next season.
Bournemouth will be paying very close attention to the former France U21 international. The Cherries, who share the same owner as Lorient, were the ones who actually bought Faivre this summer, and their investment was significant. A lightning start to the season could potentially precipitate his departure, depending on Bournemouth’s situation, but Lorient will be hoping to retain him for the entirety of the campaign. Troubling the top half of the table may depend on it.
Signing To Watch: Formose Mendy – Lorient signed two Mendys this summer, and it will be interesting to see how they both get on. Benjamin Mendy is an unknown quantity after a long period spent out of the game. The former Manchester City defender was cleared of all charges of sexual crimes last month and has since signed a two-year deal with Les Merlus.
Formose Mendy’s adaptation to Ligue 1 will be interesting to watch. He makes the step up from Ligue 2 side Amiens as an already fully-fledged Senegalese international. He arrives for a reported €7.5m fee and has the potential to be a big hit in Régis Le Bris’ side. At just 22 years old, he has already accrued considerable experience and he now looks ready to hit new levels.
Squad Analysis – Lorient
Read on getfootballnewsfrance.com
