Just days before the start of the 2025-2026 Ligue 2 season, AS Saint-Étienne is finalizing an ambitious recruitment by signing Ebenezer Annan, a Ghanaian international left-back. This addition strengthens an extensively revamped defense, aiming for a swift return to Ligue 1.
AS Saint-Étienne continues its active summer transfer window, focusing especially on defense. Head coach Eirik Horneland seeks to build a solid and well-balanced backline. A key signing in this move is Ebenezer Annan, the Ghanaian left-back transferred from Red Star Belgrade. With two caps for his national team, Annan is eagerly awaited at the Forez club to strengthen the left flank—a vital position in the renewed defensive setup.
After several weeks of negotiations, the agreement between the Greens and the Serbian club was confirmed by French media Transfert Radar. While some administrative formalities remain, the official signing is imminent, though his participation in the first official match against Laval remains uncertain.
This reinforcement forms part of a broader squad overhaul after a very active offseason. Saint-Étienne has seen significant departures and has invested in young and experienced players such as Chico Lamba, Mahmoud Jaber, Maxime Bernauer, and Lassana Traoré. With approximately €11.7 million spent, the club demonstrates its ambition to return promptly to Ligue 1 while balancing finances amid the challenges of Ligue 2.
In the defense, apart from Annan on the left side, newcomer João Ferreira has taken the right-back position, providing better coverage and depth to the squad. These tactical adjustments align with Horneland’s focus on defensive solidity to compete in a demanding league.
Moreover, the club must handle interest from other teams for its promising talents like midfielder Benjamin Bouchouari, whose future remains open this summer. This situation underscores the importance for Saint-Étienne to carefully balance sporting and financial decisions during this crucial phase.
Overall, Ebenezer Annan’s imminent arrival offers encouragement to AS Saint-Étienne and its fans, symbolizing a push towards building a competitive and coherent squad for a decisive season.
