Le Havre - injuries & suspensions October 2026

Le Havre finished last season’s Ligue 1 campaign in 14th place, but had to fight for survival right until the end. It was only in the final round that the team’s place in the top flight was secured. The club has reshaped its squad again this summer. This time, it focused mainly on loans, free transfers and players who had previously played for Le Havre. There have been no major outlays or high-profile signings. The priority is to ensure the team does not have to rescue its season in the closing weeks of the campaign again.

Digard stays as sporting director changes

Didier Digard will remain in charge of the team. The coach has been working at Le Havre since 2024, having previously been part of the club’s academy as a player. Last season, his team struggled to pick up points. The coach now has to find a way to avoid a repeat.

However, the man in charge of transfers has changed. Demba Ba, who previously worked at Dunkerque, has replaced Mathieu Bodmer. This is his first transfer window in the new role. With a limited budget, he could not afford an expensive overhaul, so he focused mainly on players available on favourable terms.

Richardson and Mwanga return to Le Havre

One of the more intriguing moves is the return of Amir Richardson. The midfielder came through Le Havre’s academy before going on to play for Reims and Fiorentina. He has joined his former club on loan with an option to buy. He is 24, has an imposing physique and brings experience gained outside France. He should get plenty of opportunities to show what he can do in midfield.

Junior Mwanga has also rejoined the team. He previously spent time here on loan from Strasbourg; this time, he has signed permanently. He can play as a defensive midfielder or centre-back. Timothée Pembélé, formerly of Sunderland, has also joined Le Havre on a permanent deal. His versatility is a major asset: he can feature at right-back, in central defence or as a wing-back.

More options in defence and attack

Vincent Sasso has joined from Dunkerque. Kaito Mizuta, who has played for German side Rot-Weiss Essen, has added another option in midfield. Up front, Digard will be able to call on young Rayan Fofana, who has joined on loan from Lens. Sota Nakamura has also arrived on loan from Sanfrecce Hiroshima. The striker is expected to bring more movement and technical ability to the team’s play.

There have been more changes, too. Le Havre have loaned Elias Jelert from Galatasaray, while Ahmed Touba has joined from Panathinaikos. Josh Maja has also strengthened the attack after leaving West Bromwich Albion. Gauthier Gallon was brought in after the previous goalkeeper moved on. The new arrivals give the coach more options, but the number of transfers alone does not mean the team will immediately start playing better.

The captain’s departure is a major loss

The departures of Arouna Sangante and Issa Soumaré could be the most keenly felt. Le Havre’s captain has moved to Sevilla, while the winger has opted for Rennes. Both played important roles in the team, so their absence will be felt beyond the starting line-up. Goalkeeper Mory Diaw has also left the club, joining Al-Shabab. Yanis Zouaoui and Fodé Doucouré departed towards the end of the transfer window as well.

Digard therefore has to rebuild his defence while also finding players to take on some of the responsibility left behind by Sangante. Richardson and Mwanga know the club, which could make their return easier, but the other new arrivals will need time to settle into the team.

A safer season than the last?

Le Havre do not have the budget to compete in the transfer market with most Ligue 1 clubs. They are once again looking for bargains and counting on players who can rediscover their form or prove themselves at a higher level. This approach has its limitations, particularly when important players leave. After securing survival on the final day, there is no need for grand promises. Le Havre simply need to pick up points more consistently.