Ludovic Ajorque, Romain Del Castillo: how Brest resisted winter bids | OneFootball

Brest host Lorient at 19:00 on Saturday in Ligue 1, arriving off one of the quietest January windows, resisting approaches and avoiding the upheaval seen elsewhere.

According to L'Équipe, there were only two exits and no arrivals. Julien Le Cardinal joined Saint-Étienne for €1.5m plus €300,000, and Justin Bourgault was loaned to Nancy, both in Ligue 2.

Nantes’ pursuit of Romain Del Castillo was highly unlikely to progress. Paris FC also came for Ludovic Ajorque with a significant bid, albeit not the €10m touted. Brest refused to strengthen a rival, and the capital club stepped back.

Holding firm was helped by €52m earned from the 2024-2025 Champions League. The year should still finish in the black after planned summer sales, with Mahdi Camara to Rennes for €8m, Pierre Lees-Melou to Paris FC for €6.5m and Marco Bizot to Aston Villa for €0.5m.

A quick return to the Champions League is unlikely, so sustainability is a live question. A new stadium, targeted for 2028, could add €3 to €4m. Opening the capital is not planned, so reduced means, even a Ligue 2 risk, may have to be accepted over time.

The TV rights fog is already hurting recruitment and contract lengths. Brest sought a number eight to 10 in January, while long deals are being avoided and Brendan Chardonnet, Kenny Lala, Hugo Magnetti, Del Castillo and Ajorque are out of contract in June 2027. Some feel recent leavers have struggled, encouraging continuity.

Source: L'Équipe