This article is an extract from the GFFN guide of 2025/26 74 pages, which you can download here.
Before the start of a new Ligue 1 season, get French football news from five new signing sessions to pay attention.
Paul Pogba – As Monaco
The most controversial movement of the summer transfer window is undoubtedly signing Paul Pogba for Monaco on a free transfer. The 32-year-old returns almost two years to professional football for the first time, after a doping ban, when he draws the red-white shirt of Lesmonégasques. Various clubs were reportedly on the hunt for the signature of the World Cup winner, with interest from both Europe and further away, but Pogba decided that a return close to Hishomeland to become a member of the Principality Club would be the best option to get his career back on the right track. From physics. On those days, Pogba could only justify admission.
However, with the former Midfielder of the Manchester United Training individual to maintain his fitness levels, patience will be necessary. A return at the beginning of October is considered. The goal is to give him time to achieve an optimal state, and, if everything goes to plan, to see Pogba return to the best at the command in Ligue 1.
Igor Paixão – Olympique de Marseille
Igor Paixão was a man this summer, in which Marseille eventually won the race for the signature of the Brazilian attacker. The 25-year-old chose to trade Rotterdam for the VélodromeaHeahead from various other clubs, including Leeds United. It cost a record transfer costs (more than € 30 million) to praise the attacker away from the Eredivisie.
Paixão awarded the Dutch football player of the year last season and was in sparkling form for the De Kuipclub, delivered 18 goals and registered another 14 assists in all competitions for Feyenoord. HEALO turned out to be vital in seasons earlier when the club won both the Eredivisie title and the KNVB Cupunder the management of Liverpool head coach Arne Slot. Although in the first place a left wing, the Feyenoord striker Formater offers the much needed versatility to the Roberto de Zerbi team.
Although it is known as effective in the attacking third of the field, the 25-year-old is a LiveWireWhen that it is about past opposition drivers. On real Joga Bonito mode, Paixão is one of the most productive dribblers in Europe, with its fast feet. Add his output and the difficulty that Hecreates for opposition fever together, and Marseille's new record signature can simply prove the missing piece of the puzzle for the Zerbi to transform Les Olympiens into contenders.
Olivier Giroud – Lille OSC
It is the summer of comebacks in Ligue 1 this season, because Olivier Giroud returns to France for the first time in 13 years, while he joins Lille with a free transfer of Lafc. The 38-year-old for the last time played Inligue 1 for Montpellier, because his goal Curio of Creakers proved of vital importance in La Paillade who ever guaranteed their first title in time.
Giroud returns to France as an Honors list with the UEFA Champions League, Serie A and More More, not to forget his international success with Les Bleus in 2018 while securing their second world cup koning. However, the former Chelsea striker can be confronted with questions if his powers have been taken since he last played in the French top flight. The attacker is known for his intelligence and selflessness in the last third part. Impressive Flick-Als, who bring others into Play and finding a pass that would be proud of the most top players, are all important attributes of Hisrole as a facilitating striker, who adds a different dimension to the Dogues attack after the departure of Jonathan David.
Moreover, the former Chelsea Forward has an incredible talent for running half-chances Intogoals, with acrobatic finishes and impressive head goals in his locker. His experience will also be a key factor in why Bruno Genesio wanted to add the World Cup winner to Hisyouthful Squad.
Illia Zabarnyi-Paris Saint-Germain
Illia Zabarnyi is one of the three defenders who leave Bournemouth for one of Europe's largest clubs this summer. The Ukrainian international arrives in the Parc des Princes after an impressive saying the Premier League. For € 63 million, the 22-year-old represents a major edition for the Ligue 1Champions, but given the quality and potential of the middle back, this could represent a small fee. The Ukrainian defender is a long -term target for Les Parisiens. Zabarnyihas was known for its impressive leadership qualities, even at such a young age, and was even more responsible for leading the backline in Bournemouth last season.
In addition to his leadership qualities, Zabarnyi is an impressive figure in the heart of the defense. Heoffers a physical presence, but an intelligence in the way he defends. Everything he does is based on timing and perception instead of diving into reckless tackles. The 22-year-old is on the ball as self-confidence. He can escape under pressure and activate attacks by building from the back with a precision -passing. Given his attributes, the center-back seems to be a perfect mouold for the feature philosophy of Luis Enrique.
Kendry Paéz – RC Strasbourg Alsace
Kendry Páez has the potential to be one of Ligue I's striking signing sessions this season, but also with a considerable part of strangers. The attacking midfielder attracted Chelsea at such a young age and attracted the attention of the football audience at the age of sixteen. It was assumed that he would make the switch to Stamford Bridge two years before he could be registered in the Premier League Belegaal.
The Ecuadorian playmaker agrees with the loan from Chelsea and brings a reputation that 18 years with Withishis. Páez had already passed his country 18 times and won the headlines as the youngest player to play and score in a qualifying match from Conmebol World Cup. At club level, 70 performances for Independente Del Valle include a medal from Copa Sudamericana winners, proof that he can compete in high -pressure environments.
Páez offers sharp vision, fast feet and a talent for unlocking defenses. Strasbourg will hope that the heads of a creative spark for their attack, but his first season in Europe will test its ability to adapt faster, more physical football level.
If Páez can quickly find his rhythm and translates his talent into consistent performances, he becomes a key figure at RCSA.
GFFN | Liam Wraith