Metz winter window could be lively, Gauthier Hein and Alpha Touré courted, Bouna Sarr and Tiémoué Bakayoko options | OneFootball

Metz, bottom of Ligue 1, face a fraught window despite Brian Madjo’s imminent 12 M€ move to Aston Villa. The 16-year-old, 17 on Monday, has played 157 minutes in five games and was handled cautiously amid interest.

According to L'Équipe, the fee would ease the budget, yet further departures remain possible. Coach Stéphane Le Mignan wants to keep key players from the first half, notably captain Gauthier Hein, 29, under contract to 2028 with five goals and four assists in 15 league matches.

Hein is drawing strong MLS attention from FC Dallas and San José Earthquakes, with that market open until the end of March, though neither has contacted Metz directly. West Ham’s 7 M€ offer for Alpha Touré, 19, also tied to 2028, was rejected by sporting director Frédéric Arpinon.

Touré said he is focused on his game and leaves matters to his agent. Le Mignan also highlighted contract issues for Koffi Kouao, 27, and Cheikh Sabaly, 26, whose deals expire in June. Sabaly, at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, has English suitors and could fetch more than Kouao.

A Kouao exit could open the door for Bouna Sarr, 33, clubless for 18 months and training with the club. Others who could be affected include Morgan Bokele, 21, Joël Asoro, 26, and Sadibou Sané, 21. Le Mignan hopes any exit of a regular will be replaced, and Metz have enquired about free agent Tiémoué Bakayoko.

Source: L'Équipe