AS Saint-Étienne holds a lead at the top of the Ligue 2 standings, yet manager Ian Cathro’s squad faces a strategic puzzle heading toward the winter transfer window. While the club sits comfortably above second-place Nancy, squad planning in the defensive third reveals a distinct shortage of specialists, particularly at left-back.

During recent weeks, left winger Ben Old has anchored the left side of Saint-Étienne’s defense. The New Zealand international has started four consecutive matches, contributing to a defensive run that has seen the club concede just two goals over that stretch. Yet the setup remains an emergency patch rather than a long-term solution. Last weekend’s 1-0 victory against Nantes exposed the limitations of the current configuration. Facing a low defensive block, Old struggled to make an impact in the opposition half, and the club lacks an alternative left-back to challenge or relieve him.

When manager Ian Cathro adjusted his setup against Nantes, he replaced Old with central defender Chico Lamba—whose own future at the club remains uncertain amid potential winter departure talk—while shifting Maxime Bernauer to the left flank. Bernauer, primarily deployed as a defensive midfielder this season, is likewise not a specialist in the position. These tactical contortions have brought the club’s recruitment strategy into sharp focus.

The Winter Window Dilemma in the Forez

Club officials now face a defining choice ahead of the January 2027 transfer window.

The club’s recruitment department has already begun casting a wider net for future defensive depth, monitoring targets across French football.

Scouting the Elite Tier for Future Reinforcements

While the immediate priority centers on the left side of defense, Saint-Étienne’s recruitment network is simultaneously laying groundwork for potential roster additions in the top flight. According to reports, the club has tracked FC Lorient right-back Dembo Sylla as a target in anticipation of a possible Ligue 1 return.

Sylla, a 23-year-old Guinea international who also holds French nationality, has emerged as a standout figure for Lorient under manager Alexandre Dujeux this season. After spending previous campaigns on loan at Rodez, Belgian side Dender, and Red Star, the former Laval product has locked down a regular starting role in Brittany. Reports noted that Sylla’s pace and overlapping runs proved decisive when he won a penalty in Lorient’s victory over AS Monaco.

Data analytics firm Data’Scout values the defender at approximately 1.5 million euros, a figure that makes a future deal financially accessible for Saint-Étienne. Reports stated that the club’s decision-makers view Sylla as a profile for the right flank if promotion is secured, though no formal agreements have been finalized as the player remains under contract with Lorient through June 2028.

Saint-Étienne returns to competitive action as the club balances its present push for the Ligue 2 title with long-range roster planning across both defensive flanks.