FEATURE | Sarr, Dieng, Diatta: Ligue 1 Free Agent XI | OneFootball

With the Ligue 1 season concluding this weekend, there are plenty of players who will be playing their final games for their clubs before departing on a free transfer. Of the players whose contracts are expiring, Get French Football News have created an XI.

Goalkeeper: Anthony Lopes (35) – Nantes

Few players have covered themselves in glory at Nantes this season, but Anthony Lopes has proved that he is still a reliable option. He was somewhat stepping into the unknown by finally leaving Olympique Lyonnais, but his leadership qualities and shot-stopping ability have been valuable, albeit insufficient to keep Les Canaris in the top-flight.

Defender: Malang Sarr (27) – Lens

From forgotten man at Chelsea to the UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Season. It has been quite the comeback for Sarr, who now harbours hopes of going to the World Cup this year with Senegal. With the likes of Facundo Medina, Kevin Danso, and Abdukodir Khusanov leaving Lens in recent months, they needed someone to step up, and Sarr did just that. A top club could take a punt on him. 

Defender: Chancel Mbemba (31) – Lille

Naturally, there were doubts surrounding Mbemba this season. He didn’t play at all during his final 12 months at Olympique de Marseille. In a team chasing Champions League football, he has managed 21 appearances in all competitions. An experienced and physical defender, he has regained fitness. Given their European engagements, Lille may regret letting him leave.

Defender: Aissa Mandi (34) – Lille

The same certainly applies to Aissa Mandi. Having arrived at Lille back in 2024, the Algeria international has been reliable and an ever-present for Bruno Genesio’s side. With Mandi, it is no thrills and very few spills. Approaching his twilight years, he still has something to offer, as his 39 appearances in all competitions showed this season. 

Wing-back: Krépin Diatta (27) – Monaco

Krépin Diatta showed what he could offer, starring for Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations. Unfortunately for him, his best performances have often come for the international side and he has struggled to replicate them in Ligue 1 for Monaco. Nonetheless, a direct player, capable of playing on both wings or at wing-back, or even full-back, he is a versatile option and, often praised for his attitude, even despite limited minutes, an ideal squad player. 

Midfielder: Adrien Thomasson (32) – Lens

One of the standout performers in Ligue 1 this season. His performances for Lens have been excellent. He has run the midfield from a deeper position, but it hasn’t deprived him of his attacking flair. He will end the Ligue 1 season having registered the most assists (10). He is ageing like a fine wine, and looks to be on the brink of joining Stade Rennais.

Midfielder: Arthur Avom (21) – Lorient

An all-action midfielder, no player in this XI has a higher market value than Arthur Avom. And in contrast to many on this list, he is at the start of his career. A Cameroon international (14 caps), he has made 32 appearances in all competitions for Lorient this season. It is a case of really poor management on Les Merlus’ part to see him leave on a free. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see a side fighting towards the top of the Ligue 1 table make a move for Avom this summer.

Midfielder: Nabil Bentaleb (31) – Lille

Nabil Bentaleb’s comeback from a heart attack has been remarkable. Like Christian Eriksen, he has rediscovered his best level. He remains an elegant and imposing presence in midfield and an ever-present for a side that will look to wrap up qualification for the Champions League for next season. There is reported Premier League interest in the Algeria international. 

Wing-back: Thomas Meunier (34) – Lille

Thomas Meunier has also featured prominently for LOSC this season, making 35 appearances in all competitions. He has been keeping the much-younger Tiago Santos out of the side. At times, Genesio has come in for criticism for his choice, but Meunier’s consistency, attacking thrust and impeccable technical ability have continued to justify the Lille manager’s decision. 

Forward: Wesley Said (31) – Lens

For much of his career, Wesley Said has been restricted by injuries. He has not been entirely unscathed this season either, but he has made 32 appearances in all competitions and shown what he can bring when given a run of games. His 10 goals in 28 games in Ligue 1 have been key to Lens’ UCL qualification.

Forward: Bamba Dieng (26) – Lorient

Another unfortunate piece of management from Lorient, who will lose one of Ligue 1’s most in-form forwards on a free transfer. His career looked to be on the slide when, after falling out of favour at Marseille, he joined Lorient, struggled, and then proceeded to do the same out on loan at SCO Angers last season. Dieng’s career is now firmly back on track. He has 16 goals in 25 appearances in all competitions, and some big clubs in the Bundesliga are now trying to acquire his services for next season. 

Bench: Maxime Dupé (Nice), Igor Silva (Lorient), Étienne Youté-Kinkoué (Le Havre) Bilal Nadir (Marseille), Yassine Kechta (Le Havre), Sofiane Boufal (Le Havre), Issa Soumaré (Le Havre), Allan Saint-Maximin (Lens), Olivier Giroud (Lille)

GFFN | Luke Entwistle