Al-Hilal fail in approach for Saint-Étienne’s Lucas Stassin | OneFootball

AS Saint-Étienne have been determined to retain Lucas Stassin (20) all summer, despite their relegation to Ligue 2. The Belgian forward was a rare bright spark in a difficult season for ASSE in Ligue 1, and there was no shortage of interest.

However, Les Verts, backed by wealthy owners Kilmer Sports Ventures, have the financial stability to retain their stars, despite relegation. It has allowed them to rebuff approaches for Stassin and Zuriko Davitashvili.

Even with most transfer windows in Europe now closed, the striker is still attracting interest. As per a report from L’Équipe, Al-Hilal attempted a move. The Saudi Pro League club used intermediaries to try and sound out the move, however, talks proved difficult.

Firstly, Saint-Étienne’s asking price, rumoured to be between €30-40m, depending on the source, was prohibitive, whilst talks with the player’s entourage also proved difficult. The move therefore broke down, and Stassin is now set to stay at Saint-Étienne, at least until the January transfer window.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle