The AS Saint-Étienne season is bogged down. After two consecutive defeats at home and a game that no longer convinces anyone, the Greens need an electric shock. What if the solution came from an unexpected return during the winter transfer window? A former player trained at the Robert-Herbin Center, who left too early and has since struggled to establish himself elsewhere, could make his comeback in Forez next January.
An ex-Green about to return to save the season
The Saint-Etienne club is seriously exploring this option of a six-month loan to relaunch a midfielder who knows the green colors by heart. A win-win operation which would allow ASSE to fill a void left in midfield after the controversial departure of Pierre Ekwah, who unilaterally terminated his contract last September.
His name: Mathis Amougou. Sold to Chelsea for 15 million euros last February with a record eight-year contract, the 19-year-old defensive midfielder only played 22 minutes in the Blues jersey. Two small appearances (one in the Premier League, one in the Conference League) for the man who was considered one of the best French prospects in his position.
Transferred immediately to Strasbourg this summer as part of the BlueCo galaxy, owner of the two clubs, Amougou hoped to finally find playing time in Ligue 1. But the scenario repeats itself: only 3 championship matches including 2 starts since the start of the season, to which is added an appearance in the Europa Conference League. For a total of approximately 150 minutes over the entire 2025-2026 season.
Mathis Amougou, the unexpected comeback that revives Saint-Étienne
A return to ASSE that makes sense for everyone
In Saint-Étienne, Amougou's profile perfectly matches current needs. The departure of Ekwah has created a glaring shortage at the sentry position, and the team is struggling to find balance in the midfield. The young midfielder knows the house, he played 18 matches with the professional team during his initial stint, and he masters the codes of Ligue 2 having played there at the start of his career.
For Amougou, returning to Forez would represent an unexpected opportunity to relaunch a career which is dangerously stagnating. At 19, he needs playing time and confidence to confirm his potential. The familiar environment of Geoffroy-Guichard, where he has grown up since 2018, could be the ideal setting to rediscover his feelings.
Chelsea and Strasbourg would not be opposed to a six-month loan. The Alsatian club would welcome its young midfielder becoming more experienced in Ligue 2, while ASSE would recover a player who is immediately operational and has significant room for improvement.
Discussions have already started between the different parties. It remains to be seen whether this return to basics will allow Mathis Amougou to relaunch his career and the Greens to find their way back to Ligue 1. Will history repeat itself next January? Response in a few weeks.
