Football Season Guide

Ligue 2

France

Ligue 2

2016/2017

Valenciennes

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Valenciennes

In

Ahmed Kantari (def) from Toronto FC (CAN)

Out

Yunis Abdelhamid (k) (def) to Dijon FCO; Opa Nguette (sp) (att) to FC Metz; Gaetan Missi Mezu (att) to Paris FC; Baptiste Aloe (r) (def) to Olympique de Marseille - loan ended

These are difficult times for Valenciennes, the former top-flight stalwarts who spent most of last season fighting to avoid relegation to the third tier. The arrival of Faruk Hadzibegic as coach in January helped the northern outfit eventually climb to a 12th place finish, but there are few signs that the coming campaign will be any easier at the Stade du Hainaut. Defensive stalwart Yunis Abdelhamid has taken the step up to Ligue 1 with Dijon while Baptiste Aloe has returned to Marseille after his loan spell and talented forward Opa Nguette has joined Metz. Former Lens stopper Ahmed Kantari is the only new arrival at the time of writing but at least Sigamary Diarra and Eloge Enza-Yamissi have signed new contracts. Others, like Pierre Slidja and Angelo Fulgini, may move on sooner rather than later and it is set to be another tough scrap for Valenciennes in 2016-17.

Target

A challenge towards the top if possible but consolidation after recent struggles must be the main objective.