Le Mans FC has made it clear it wants to sign Louis Mafouta, Guingamp's striker who finished the season with 15 Ligue 2 goals. The plan was confirmed at coach Patrick Videira's press conference, where he outlined the positions the club aims to fill.

What player profiles is the club after?

Videira listed two centre‑backs, one or two left‑backers, a right‑back, a left‑midfielder and two forwards. He recalled Billal Brahimi's return – the player who already featured for the club in 2020‑2021 – to stress the desire for more wing play. The goal is to move away from a rigid 3‑5‑2 to a more flexible system that can unsettle opponents.

Why is Louis Mafouta attractive?

Mafouta, a Central African international with 33 caps and 16 goals, shone in his last two Ligue 2 seasons, scoring 15 goals each for Amiens and the EAG. Though he only managed 2 goals in 15 Ligue 1 appearances for Metz in 2021‑2022, his experience and proven record in the second tier make him a valuable addition. He was decisive against Le Mans last season, netting the goal in a 3‑1 win and providing an assist in the return fixture.

Where does the club stand today?

Le Mans FC sits 2nd in Ligue 2 with 62 points, recording 16 wins, 14 draws and 4 losses from 34 games, and a recent form of WDDWD. The team has scored 50 goals while conceding 31, a +19 goal difference. It remains five points behind leaders ESTAC Troyes in the title race.

What are the next steps?

The club still needs to clarify Lucas Calodat's future before finalising its signings. The decision on Mafouta's exact role – false 9, number 10 or left‑wing – will depend on Videira's tactical tweaks. If the transfer goes through, he will join a squad in transition, ready to push the club toward promotion to Ligue 1.

Le Mans FC keeps working hard to strengthen every line, hoping to turn its solid second‑place standing into a permanent place in French top‑flight football.