Metz confirm exits of five players, including Benjamin Stambouli | OneFootball

Metz have confirmed the exits of five players at the end of contracts or loans, including Benjamin Stambouli. The 35-year-old departs two years after arriving in Moselle.

According to L'Équipe, the club made the announcement on Tuesday. It came after Monday’s return to training and followed Jean Ruiz’s arrival and Bouna Sarr’s new deal.

Stambouli endured a chaotic campaign with 19 Ligue 1 matches, first phased out by former coach Stéphane Le Mignan, then hampered by injuries under Benoît Tavenot. Metz did not seek to extend him, aiming to open space for teenager Believe Munongo, 16.

Talks continue over Jean-Philippe Gbamin, 30, with hope for a renewal, though his future remains unclear and he has several options.

Also out of contract, Georgian forward Giorgi Kvilitaia leaves and has just joined Holstein Kiel. Senegalese full-back Fodé Ballo-Touré is also moving on.

Loanees Lucas Michal and Boubacar Traoré return to Monaco and Wolverhampton respectively after less successful spells than expected.

Source: L'Équipe