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A transfer window still open in the Forez
Saint-Étienne is approaching the final stretch of the summer transfer window with a situation more nuanced than a simple late-window frenzy. The club remains active, but the available facts mainly suggest viewing this sprint as an adjustment phase. The most concrete development is Pierre Ekwah’s departure to Auxerre, officially completed as a loan with an option to buy. This move frees up a place in midfield and confirms that the Saint-Étienne squad can still change before the French transfer window closes.
Players such as Mickaël Nadé, Aïmen Moueffek and Djylian N’Guessan are among the profiles mentioned as potential sources of activity in the final days.
Around this departure, several cases remain open. Players such as Mickaël Nadé, Aïmen Moueffek and Djylian N’Guessan are among the profiles mentioned as potential sources of activity in the final days. Lucas Stassin and Zuriko Davitashvili, meanwhile, occupy a different status: their sporting value is higher, and a significant offer could force the club’s decision-makers to reassess the squad’s balance. At this stage, it is important to distinguish between what has been finalized and what is merely being monitored on the market.
The club does not need to multiply moves to give its end to the transfer window some momentum. Its start to the season allows it to remain selective. After three Ligue 2 matches, Les Verts have three wins, ten goals scored and only one conceded. This record influences how the final decisions are approached.
Ekwah’s departure sets a concrete benchmark
Pierre Ekwah’s loan to AJ Auxerre provides the central point of verification in the case. ASSE announced an agreement with Auxerre for the 24-year-old midfielder until the end of the season, with an option to buy. AJA also confirmed the player’s arrival, recalling his journey through French youth development, England, Sunderland, Saint-Étienne and Watford.
This move is not insignificant. Ekwah had been integrated permanently into the Saint-Étienne project after his first loan spell, and his purchase option was subsequently exercised. His departure, even temporarily, shows that the club is willing to reshape an area where player profiles and playing time need to be better distributed. It does not automatically mean that a replacement will arrive, but it gives the club more room to manage the squad.
The left-back position is also being monitored. The possibility of a last-minute reinforcement exists, but it does not appear to be an absolute emergency. Maxime Bernauer can fill in on that flank, Ben Old is expected to return to the rotation, and the current state of the squad allows the club to wait for an opportunity rather than make a forced signing.
The results give Cathro breathing room
The sporting context changes everything. Saint-Étienne have just crushed Grenoble 4-0 at Geoffroy-Guichard, in a match settled very early thanks to Aron Csongvai, Thierno Ballo, Irvin Cardona and then Zuriko Davitashvili. Independent reports converge: Les Verts dominated, suffocated Grenoble and confirmed their place at the top after three matchdays.
For Ian Cathro, this momentum offers a double advantage. First, it reduces the immediate pressure on recruitment. Second, it allows the staff to assess needs more precisely, based on an already functional collective. The summer signings have begun to make an impact, the attacking leaders are delivering, and the defense has found a solid foundation.
Saint-Étienne’s transfer-window finale can still change things, but it does not necessarily need to overturn the project. Above all, the club must avoid weakening what is working. Ekwah’s departure is confirmed, further exits remain possible, and a targeted arrival cannot be ruled out. The key will be to preserve the sporting momentum while adjusting the squad without giving in to haste.