GFFN GUIDE | Five new signings to watch out for in Ligue 1 this season | OneFootball

This article is an extract from the 2025/26 74-page GFFN Guide, which you can download HERE.

On the dawn of a new Ligue 1 season, Get French Football News pick out five new signings to watch out for.

Paul Pogba – AS Monaco

The most high-profile move of the summer transfer window is undoubtedly Paul Pogba signingfor Monaco on a free transfer. The 32-year-old will return to professional football for the first timein nearly two years, following a doping ban, when he dons the red-and-white shirt of LesMonégasques. Several clubs were reportedly in the hunt for the World Cup winner’s signature,with interest from both Europe and further afield, but Pogba decided a return close to hishomeland to join the Principality club would be the best option to get his career back on track.At his best, the Frenchman is almost unplayable: landing pinpoint, field-long diagonal passes,gliding past defenders with deceptive ease, and firing shots into the top corner with movementthat seems to bend the laws of physics. On those days, Pogba could justify the admission feewith his performance alone.

However, with the former Manchester United midfielder training individually to maintain hisfitness levels, patience will be required. A return at the start of October is envisaged. The aim isto give him time to reach optimum condition, and, if all goes to plan, to see Pogba return to hiscommanding best in Ligue 1.

Igor Paixão – Olympique de Marseille

Igor Paixão was a man in demand this summer, with Marseille eventually winning the race forthe Brazilian attacker’s signature. The 25-year-old opted to trade Rotterdam for the Vélodromeahead of several other clubs, including Leeds United. It took a record transfer fee (over €30m)for OM to prize the forward away from the Eredivisie.

Crowned Dutch footballer of the year last season, Paixão was in scintillating form for the De Kuipclub, netting 18 goals and registering a further 14 assists in all competitions for Feyenoord. Healso proved vital in seasons prior as the club won both the Eredivisie title and the KNVB cupunder the management of Liverpool head coach Arne Slot. Although primarily a left-winger, theformer Feyenoord forward will offer much-needed versatility to Roberto De Zerbi’s squad.

Whilst known for being effective in the attacking third of the pitch, the 25-year-old is a livewirewhen it comes to dancing past opposition defenders. In true Joga Bonito fashion, Paixão is oneof the most prolific dribblers in Europe, with his quick feet. Add his output and the difficulty hecreates for opposition defenders together, and Marseille’s new record signing could just prove tobe the missing piece of the puzzle for De Zerbi to transform Les Olympiens into contenders.

Olivier Giroud – Lille OSC

It’s the summer of comebacks in Ligue 1 this season, as Olivier Giroud returns to France for thefirst time in 13 years as he joins Lille on a free transfer from LAFC. The 38-year-old last played inLigue 1 for Montpellier as his goalscoring antics proved vital in La Paillade securing their first evertop-flight title.

Giroud returns to France as an honours list boasting the UEFA Champions League, Serie A, andmany more, not to forget his international success with Les Bleus in 2018 as they secured theirsecond World Cup crown. However, the former Chelsea striker may face questions as to whetherhis powers have waned since he last played in the French top-flight. The forward is renowned forhis intelligence and selflessness in the final third. Impressive flick-ons, bringing others into playand finding a pass most top-class playmakers would be proud of are all key attributes of hisrole as a facilitative striker, adding a different dimension to the Les Dogues attack followingJonathan David’s departure.

Additionally, the former Chelsea forward has an incredible knack for turning half-chances intogoals, with acrobatic finishes and impressive headed goals within his locker. His experience willlikely 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 three defenders to depart Bournemouth for one of Europe’s biggest clubsthis summer. The Ukrainian international arrives at the Parc des Princes after an impressive spellin the Premier League. At €63m, the 22-year-old represents a large outlay for the Ligue 1champions, but given the centre-back’s quality and potential, this could represent a small fee inyears to come. The Ukrainian defender has been a long-standing target for Les Parisiens.The former Dynamo Kyiv defender is seen as the long-term heir to Marquinhos at PSG. Zabarnyihas been renowned for his impressive leadership qualities, even at such a young age, and wasresponsible for leading the backline at Bournemouth last season.

In addition to his leadership qualities, Zabarnyi is an imposing figure at the heart of defence. Heoffers a physical presence, but an intelligence in the way he defends. Everything he does isbased on timing and perception rather than diving into reckless tackles. The 22-year-old is alsovery confident on the ball. He can escape under pressure and activate attacks by building fromthe back with precision passing. Given his attributes, the centre-back appears to be a perfectmould for Luis Enrique’s playing philosophy.

Kendry Paéz – RC Strasbourg Alsace

Kendry Páez has the potential to be one of Ligue I’s standout signings this season, but alsoarrives with a fair share of unknowns. Signing for Chelsea at such a young age, the attackingmidfielder attracted the attention of the footballing public at the age of sixteen. It wasannounced he would be making the switch to Stamford Bridge two years before he could belegally registered in the Premier League.

The Ecuadorian playmaker joins on loan from Chelsea, bringing with him a reputation that belieshis 18 years. Already capped 18 times by his country, Páez made headlines as the youngestplayer to play and score in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier. At club level, his 70 appearancesfor Independiente del Valle include a Copa Sudamericana winners’ medal, evidence that he canalready compete in high-pressure environments.

Páez offers sharp vision, quick feet, and a knack for unlocking defences. Strasbourg will hope headds a creative spark to their attack, but his first season in Europe will test his ability to adapt toa faster, more physical level of football.

If Páez can find his rhythm quickly and translate his talent into consistent performances, hecould become a key figure at RCSA.

GFFN | Liam Wraith