Transfer Round-Up: Part 2 - France

Clubs around Europe have approached the transfer market hesitantly; with the exception of Real Madrid's €20 million signing of Fábio Coentrão, most clubs have topped up on young players and back-up, replenishing their stocks. The rumours, however, have remained strong and come back incessantly, with transfers including Alexis Sánchez, Cesc Fabregas and Javier Pastore reported to feature large fees. Nevertheless, this article will only focus on the confirmed deals and will also contain my thoughts on them.
NOTE: Transfers are arranged in the country in which the player is moving to and the club they are moving to. This is Part 2 and is focused on France's transfers.

France:



AC Ajaccio:

Guillermo Ochoa: From Club América, Free
A great signing for newly-promoted Ajaccio. Guillermo Ocho may have lost his way over the past year, and the suspicions of doping did not help. Nevertheless, Ochoa remains the best goalkeeper in Mexico and a year ago he was earmarked as Van der Sar's replacement. His aerial ability will greatly strengthen Ajaccio and for free, the club must be elated with this capture. Expect Ochoa to have a solid season and possibly move to a bigger club in Europe.

Dijon:

Abdoulaye Méïté: From West Brom, Free
Méïté is an experienced defender who should strengthen Dijon's defence in their fight for survival. While he is limited in possession, Méïté is a solid defender who played well in Marseille before.

Younousse Sankharé: From Paris St. Germaine, €1m
Sankharé performed well this season for Dijon, so his signing will come as no surprise. A versatile youngster, the 21 year old can play at left-back, left midfielder and as a defensive midfielder. He is a good investment for the future for Dijon and should contribute straight away.

Evian:

Sidney Govou: From Panathinaikos, Free
Sidney Govou has not rediscovered his form for Lyon since the 2006 World Cup Final. His career stagnated towards his later years in Lyon and he has not had the same effect as his fellow countryman Djibril Cissé at Panathinaikos. One reason may be his lack of pace, which was one of the weapons he possessed in his arsenal; with age his pace has deteriorated, and his overall dribbling skills are not good enough to beat defenders. Even though he is a veteran, Govou does not add much maturity to any club he joins. He will, however, be a starter for Evian but won't light up Ligue 1 as he used to.

Jonathan Mensah: From Udinese, Free
Jonathan Mensah is best probably known by people confusing him with his compatriot and fellow centre-back, John Mensah, who is more famous and older. Jonathan Mensah is also known, however, for playing with the victorious Ghana U-20 World Cup side. Having never played for Udinese, Mensah spent this year on loan at Granada in Spain, who were promoted to La Liga. A strong centre-back, Mensah is mainly an investment for the future.

Lille:

Benoît Pedretti: From Auxerre, Free
A cultured midfielder, Pedretti, like Govou, is approaching the end of his career, so a Ligue 1 title would look appealing. Pedretti can either play behind the strikers or as a regista, in front of the defence, utilising his passing skills. He was never fast, and at 30 years old, he would be better suited to playing a deeper role.

Dimitri Payet, From Saint Etienne, €9m
Dimitri Payet and Saint Etienne stormed off at the top of the Ligue 1 table at the beginning of this year, much like Payet's quick runs down the flank. While Payet did not really carry on the momentum from his season start, he still remains an exciting player and should replace Gervinho in the Lille side. Expect Lille to space their play with Hazard and Payet on the flanks and to beat teams with their speed.

Vincent Enyeama, From Hapoel Tel-Aviv, Undisclosed (reported to be €5m)
Enyeama has finally left Israel after impressive performances for Nigeria and Hapoel. A confident goalkeeper, Enyeama will probably be back-up to Landreau, who is very injury-prone for a goalkeeper. Despite this, Enyeama would be pleased to play in France and at champions Lille.


Marko Baša: From Lokomotiv Moscow, Undisclosed (reported to be €1.5)
A solid if unspectacular centre-back, Baša should provide decent back up for Lille. Has played in France for Le Mans before so he would not need a lot of time to adapt to the French style of play.


Lorient:


Mathieu Coutadeur: From Monaco, Undisclosed (reported to be €2m)
A defensive midfielder, Coutadeur is a great passer of the ball and also has the required discipline to play that position. Lorient are trying to rebuild post-Gameiro and Coutadeur should be their starting defensive midfielder for a couple of years at least.


Marseille:


Alou Diarra: From Bordeux, Undisclosed (reported to be €5m)
While Diarra may not have the passing ability or range of Coutadeur, Diarra is a strong, physical defensive midfielder. Good in the air, Diarra has been part of the French national team since 2004, and his protection in front of the back four would help Marseille in their search for another country. Can also fill in at centre back, if Marseille were to play with a back three or need replacements.


Nicolas N'Koulou, From Monaco, €3.5
A strong, quick defender who can play at centre back or right back. A very good prospect for the future, N'Koulou won't play from the start, but expect him to be a very good player in the future and form a partnership with Azpilicueta.


Paris Saint-Germain:


Kévin Gameiro, From Lorient, €11m
He scored almost a goal-per-two-games for Lorient and will look to help Paris Saint-Germain to European qualification. A very quick striker, Gameiro is an elite finisher and is someone who you would want to finish off a chance in the penalty area. Should provide goals for PSG. Often coveted by Arsenal, Gameiro should be part of a small man - big man partnership with Hoarau. 


Nicolas Douchez, From Rennes, Free
An athletic goalkeeper, Douchez will become PSG's first choice goalkeeper and is a good signing considering the price tag (or lack of one).


Rennes:


Jonathan Pitroipa, From Hamburg, Free
A very skillful midfielder, Pitroipa can either play as a trequartista or as a winger. Should add some flair to a hard working Rennes side. Can become a bit selfish at times and needs to improve his decision making.


Sochaux:


Sébastien Corchia, From Le Mans, Undisclosed (reported to be €1.8m)
A young, attack-minded right back, Corchia is one of the best talents in France. Sochaux is a perfect match for him as the club has reared many young players, such as Jérémy Mathieu, Pierre-Alain Frau and current France international Marvin Martin. Needs to improve his positioning but this will come in time.


Toulouse:


Pavle Ninkov, From Red Star Belgrade, Undisclosed (reported to be €1m)
A solid and defensive right back who was a bright spark in a Red Star team that performed below expectations. Can be quite limited in attack, but nevertheless is enthusiastic when doing so.


Rémy Riou, From Auxerre, Free
One of France's best young goalkeepers, Riou should be Toulouse's starting goalkeepers, although Pelé will provide competition. Very composed for a 23 year old, Riou also has great reflexes.