For some, summer means sun, holidays, cocktails and naps to the sound of the waves. For others, it’s synonymous with the mercato. Either way, it’s a hot time of year — “It’s too darn hot,” as Ella Fitzgerald would even sing. And with most of Europe’s transfer markets now open for business, Sports Talk United has compiled a list of 15 Ligue 1 players who could well be making a splash over the coming weeks. Let’s go!
Malick Fofana — Olympique Lyonnais
Contract expires: Summer 2028
A relative unknown 18 months ago, Malick Fofana has taken advantage of his move to OL to make a name for himself far from his native Belgium. Fast, unsettling and unpredictable, the young international punctuated his first full season in Ligue 1 with five goals and four assists in 29 appearances.
These are interesting statistics for the 20-year-old, who also shone in the Europa League, making no fewer than eight decisive appearances (six goals, two assists) in ten games.
Committed to Olympique Lyonnais until 2028, the club is reportedly demanding a fee in the region of €50m to part company with its fiery winger. Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and, above all, Chelsea are said to be interested in his signature.
Bradley Barcola — Paris Saint-Germain
Contract expires: Summer 2028
The 2024-25 season was one of affirmation for Bradley Barcola. The 22-year-old was given more responsibility at the front of the Parisian attack, and proved himself equal to the task.
Scoring 21 goals and providing 19 assists in all competitions, he has enjoyed an outstanding campaign, cementing his place in the France squad at the same time. And although a transfer this summer does not appear to be on the agenda, Bayern Munich’s announced desire to snatch him away from the reigning European champions could well reshuffle the cards for his future. But PSG have no intention of letting that happen.
Dilane Bakwa — Strasbourg
Contract expires: Summer 2027
The 22-year-old winger was one of the main architects of Strasbourg’s fine season, which culminated in seventh place. With his versatile profile and explosive acceleration, the Girondins de Bordeaux-trained player exploded onto the scene for RCSA in the 2024-25 season.
Eintracht Frankfurt have reportedly made him one of their targets for the summer. Premier League clubs are also said to be considering him. A cheque for around €20m could convince the Alsatian management to let go of their young talent, who has scored nine goals and provided six assists in 30 league appearances.
Vanderson — AS Monaco
Contract expires: Summer 2028
At 23, Vanderson seems to have all the qualities required to establish himself as a world-class right-back. It is hardly by accident that the Brazilian’s name is currently being linked with a move to Barcelona or Tottenham Hotspur.
With three years remaining on his contract, AS Monaco could agree to part company with the Rondonopolis-born player if an offer is deemed satisfactory. An amount of €25m has already been mooted.
Evann Guessand — OGC Nice
Contract expires: Summer 2028
With 12 goals and nine assists in Ligue 1, Evann Guessand has enjoyed a remarkable season. Now, it seems likely that his future will be far from the Cote d’Azur. At 23, the Nice forward looks ready to set his sights higher. But with three years remaining on his contract, his pursuers will have to fork out no less than €25m to dislodge him.
A sum that should not scare off his Premier League admirers, where his name has been linked with Aston Villa, Brighton and West Ham. All interesting clubs who will have to fight hard if they want to convince the Ivorian international to join them.
Lucas Chevalier — Lille
Contract expires: Summer 2027
Is Lucas Chevalier about to become the most expensive goalkeeper of all time? While LOSC seem unwilling to part with their talented goalkeeper for less than €70m, he could well break the €80m barrier offered by Chelsea to Athletic Club in 2018 for the transfer of Kepa Arrizabalaga.
At 23, as well as shining at domestic level, Chevalier is already considered to be Mike Maignan’s successor in the French national team. The Calais-born player has had another outstanding season (11 clean sheets and only 36 goals conceded in 34 Ligue 1 games), and is already on the radar of Europe’s biggest clubs, including PSG, who have made him their preferred target in the event of Donnarumma’s departure.
Matthis Abline — FC Nantes
Contract expires: Summer 2028
Ligue 1 is full of talented players. Matthis Abline is an excellent example. At the age of 22, the talented French U21 striker has come into his own for FC Nantes this season. Scoring nine goals and providing two assists in 34 league games, the Breton has made a name for himself with his technical range, tactical maturity and finishing ability.
Both OM and LOSC are keeping a close eye on Abline, but they will need to add up the zeroes if they are to lure him to their shores. “Abline won’t go to OM unless they pay a fortune, €50m,” Canaris president Waldemar Kita recently warned. Everyone knows what to expect.
Facundo Medina — RC Lens
Contract expires: Summer 2028
Five years after arriving in France, the time seems ripe for Facundo Medina to begin a new chapter. It has to be said that the Argentinian defender has earned it. A defensive rock for RC Lens for several seasons now, the 26-year-old has made a major contribution to the club’s return to the limelight.
And after seeing his two team-mates, Kevin Danso and Abdukodir Khusanov, leave for Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City respectively, it’s hard to blame him for wanting to take things to the next level. Many contenders would be willing to offer him the opportunity. Starting with OM, who would like to play him alongside Leonardo Balerdi and form an all-Argentine back four. Bayer Leverkusen, Roma and Crystal Palace are all said to be on the lookout.
Gianluigi Donnarumma — Paris Saint-Germain
Contract expires: Summer 2026
It may seem strange that, after such a successful season both individually and collectively, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s name could be associated with a move away from Paris Saint-Germain. But if that is the case, it’s because the Italian keeper himself has never closed the door on a move.
And although discussions about a potential contract extension (the current one runs until 2026) have begun, it’s still a long way from being sealed. If the 26-year-old were to leave PSG in the next few weeks, there is no doubt that there would be plenty of other options open to him. It remains to be seen who would lose the most.
Gaetan Perrin — AJ Auxerre
Contract expires: Summer 2026
If Auxerre have been able to comfortably confirm their place in Ligue 1, Gaetan Perrin has had a lot to do with it. AJA’s joint top scorer (10 goals) and top passer (11 assists) at the end of the 2024-25 season, the 29-year-old French winger has quite simply enjoyed the best individual campaign of his career. Enough to raise the question of his future.
With a year to go before the end of his contract, the OL-trained player has declined to extend it. Could this decision have been influenced by the strong interest shown by Chicago Fire FC last winter? Possibly. In any case, it seems that his future is now being written far from the Aube stadium. Abroad… or in Ligue 1.
Edon Zhegrova — Lille
Contract expires: Summer 2026
Despite missing most of the season with an adductor injury, Edon Zhegrova is nonetheless a talented player. And with a year to go before the end of his contract, his future seems to be taking shape somewhere other than the north of France.
At least, that’s what the fact that he turned down an offer of an extension from LOSC suggests, as he himself announced back in February. A strong choice by the Kosovan international, who has no shortage of suitors. Particularly in Italy, where Napoli and Atalanta Bergamo have reportedly made him a preferred target. A departure seems inevitable.
Lucas Perri — Olympique Lyonnais
Contract expires: Summer 2028
A year and then gone? The Brazilian goalkeeper, who joined from Botafogo, OL’s “cousin” in the Eagle galaxy, in the summer of 2024, could already be leaving the Rhone club.
Roma and AC Milan, who could lose Mike Maignan in the coming weeks, could both try to secure the services of the 27-year-old, who is valued at around €25m. A regular in Lyon’s goal this season, the 6ft 6in giant has recorded 10 clean sheets and conceded 44 goals in 33 Ligue 1 appearances.
Marco Asensio — Paris Saint-Germain
Contract expires: Summer 2026
On loan from PSG to Aston Villa for the past six months, Marco Asensio has recovered his superb form in England. Not only has the Spaniard been instrumental in helping the Villans reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 1983, but he has also helped them qualify for the next edition of the Europa League.
An enchanting interlude that may not come to an end should the Birmingham club wish to retain him for the longer term. With his contract due to expire in 2026 and his spot in Enrique’s squad far from assured, a reasonable offer would certainly convince the Parisian management to part company with the 29-year-old.
Habib Diarra — Strasbourg
Contract expires: Summer 2028
At just 21 years of age, Habib Diarra has established himself as one of Ligue 1’s leading lights in the midfield. With almost 100 appearances in France’s top flight, the Senegalese international is coming off another interesting season (five goals, four assists).
His performances have not gone unnoticed by many European clubs. Leeds United, freshly promoted to the Premier League, in particular, have reportedly offered the Alsatian club more than €25m to buy out the last three years of their player’s contract. Should the deal go through, it would make Diarra the biggest sale in Racing’s history. However, we must be wary. Brighton and Eintracht Frankfurt are also said to be lurking.
