Most talk has been regarding Paris Saint-Germain's massive investment in the mercato this summer. Les Parisiens’ spending spree has overshadowed other transfers in the country
The Ile giants have secured the signatures of some of the best players in the world. After landing http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Zlatan-Ibrahimovic-c38029 from AC Milan.
Under the shadow of such high-profile arrivals in the country, few transfers almost went unnoticed. Several clubs in the Ligue 1 have acquired the services of more than able players this summer, who will be hugely benefiting for their respective sides this
season.
Bettor.com now takes a look at some of those players, who are expected to deliver good next season and help their sides achieve their objectives.
Alain Traore (Auxerre to Lorient)
Age: 23
Position: Midfielder
Nationality: Burkinabe
2011-12 SEASON STATS
Appearances: 27
Goals: 9
The 23-year-old was arguably the best player for Auxerre last season but his exploits were not enough to help his side avoid the drop. And it didn’t surprise many when the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Lorient-c39153.
A number of excellent performances last season earned him massive praise and several clubs showed an interest in the player. However, a sudden dip in form and some niggling injuries saw him unable to help Auxerre stay in the top division of the French football.
Despite a less than convincing campaign last season, the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/AJ-Auxerre-c38247 player managed to score 9 goals in 2011/2012 Ligue 1 campaign and the midfielder also provided 4 assists for his team-mates in the process.
Lorient have surely hit the jackpot with the signing of the 23-year-old, and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alain-Traoré-c4235 will prove to be a great asset for Les Merlus this season.
Steeve Elana (Brest to Lille)
Age: 32
Position: Goalkeeper
Nationality: French
2011-12 SEASON STATS
Appearances: 37
Goals: 0
The 32-year-old has arrived at Grand Stade Lille Metropole to provide competition to veteran shot-stopper Mickael Landreau. Last season was Elana’s best by far and the Frenchman will look to make Lille’s number 1 jersey his own this season.
Elana was one of the best goalkeepers in the Ligue 1 last season. With 128 saves to his name, the former Caen player has brought a lot to Les Dogues and his contribution will be vital for LOSC this season as they seek to rival Montpellier and PSG for the
Championelle.
Renaud Cohade (Valenciennes to Saint-Etienne – Free)
Age: 27
Position: Midfielder
Nationality: French
2011-12 SEASON STATS
Appearances: 35
Goals: 7
Saint-Etienne have done a brilliant business by attaining the services of the 27-year-old on a free transfer.
An all-round midfielder, Cohade was one of the standout performers for Valenciennes last season. After deciding not to renew his contract with Les Atheniens, the Frenchman opted to join le Verts as they seek to continue their fine run of form that saw them
narrowly miss out on European football last season.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Renaud-Cohade-c30845, 27, managed to make 35 appearances for Valenciennes in the 2011/2012 Ligue 1 campaign scoring 7 goals in the process. In addition to that, the Frenchman also provided 5 assists for his team-mates.
The midfielder will be an instant hit at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard and will prove to be a great addition to Christophe Galtier’s side this season.
Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect bettor.com’s editorial policy
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