TRANSFERS: Marcelo to Bordeaux, Mothiba to Troyes | OneFootball

Brazilian stopper Marcelo has left OL for Bordeaux on a free, looking to bring his wealth of experience to bear as Les Girondins look to beat the drop in the second half of season 2021-22, while Strasbourg's South African striker Lebo Mothiba has joined Troyes on loan.

Bordeaux have been searching for a central defender for several weeks but their search ended when they signed Marcelo. The 34-year-old Brazilian defender was available on the transfer market after amicably terminating his contract with Olympique Lyonnais on Wednesday. The stopper, who has made 121 appearances for Les Gones in Ligue 1 Uber Eats, has signed a six-month contract with the side currently in 17th place. "The club is delighted to welcome this experienced player whose knowledge of Ligue 1 Uber Eats is an asset to our squad," said the club in an official statement.

Lopes: 'Rigour, experience and leadership'

Meanwhile for Bordeaux sporting director Admar Lopes, the signing of Vladimir Petković's new number 15 is a big step towards stabilising the club during a tough period. "Marcelo is a player known to all, not only for his footballing qualities but also for his character and leadership," explained Lopes. "In the conversations we had, I saw someone very motivated and eager to wear the shirt of Girondins de Bordeaux. He knows Ligue 1 well and will bring rigour, experience and leadership on and off the pitch. We are delighted that Marcelo has joined us." Lebo Mothiba swaps Strasbourg for Troyes South African striker Lebo Mothiba extended his contract with Strasbourg on Thursday until 2024, with the Alsatian club announcing that they have loaned him out to Troyes until the end of the season. "RC Strasbourg Alsace and ESTAC Troyes have reached an agreement to loan the South African striker to Troyes until the end of the 2021-22 season, without an option to buy," Le Racing said in a statement. The South African international striker, who will turn 26 this Friday, had a knee operation in the summer of 2020 and was out of action for several months before suffering a muscle injury last September. He has therefore played very little over the last 18 months and is looking to up his playing time at Troyes, who currently sit 16th in the league with just 20 goals scored in 22 games. >> TRANSFERS: All the winter moves (Photo: Bordeaux)