Yunis Abdelhamid Set to Reinforce Saint-Étienne's Ranks as Inaugural Signing
In a strategic move to bolster their squad, newly promoted Ligue 1 side Saint-Étienne is on the verge of securing their first summer acquisition. Moroccan defender Yunis Abdelhamid appears poised to join the ranks of Les Verts. The experienced Atlas Lion, recently a free agent following his departure from Stade de Reims, is reportedly close to finalizing a deal with the ambitious French club.
After seven seasons plying his trade in Reims, Abdelhamid is set to remain in eastern France, swapping allegiances to Saint-Étienne. The recently promoted side seeks to fortify their roster ahead of the upcoming Ligue 1 campaign and has found their inaugural signing in the Moroccan international.
According to reports, Abdelhamid has reached an agreement with Saint-Étienne's hierarchy for a one-year contract, with the option to extend for an additional year. The formalities of signing the contract and undergoing a medical examination are the final hurdles as the transfer nears its conclusion.
The 36-year-old defender, available as a free agent, represented an enticing prospect for clubs during this transfer window. Despite garnering interest from Ligue 1 outfits such as Brest, Lille, and Lorient, Abdelhamid was ultimately swayed by Saint-Étienne's ambitious project.
This decision echoes sentiments expressed by the Montpellier native in a recent interview with 90 Football. When discussing his future aspirations, Abdelhamid emphasized his desire to continue competing at a high level, preferably in Ligue 1. "My ambition? To keep playing at a good level, regardless of the country. I want to string together matches, stay healthy, and ensure the well-being of my family. I don't ask for more! If I stay in France, I want to compete at a high level and aim to be among the best players in my position. I play to be successful. My goal is to be among the best. Even as I age and it becomes increasingly challenging, I give myself the means to excel. I love Ligue 1 and everything that surrounds it. If I were to remain in Ligue 1, it would be with great pleasure! I would have the objective of being even stronger."
With his wealth of experience and proven talent, Yunis Abdelhamid could prove to be an invaluable addition to Saint-Étienne, a side determined to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the French top flight.