Le Mans FC has confirmed a squad movement after the official closure of the transfer window, with the departure of midfielder Milan Robin to Portuguese club Estoril. The Sarthe-based club announced this transfer on Friday, September 4, 2026, as reported by actu.fr.
The midfielder, originally from Épinal, joins a team playing in Portugal's top flight. Robin was recruited by Le Mans FC in the summer of 2025. In one season, he made 28 appearances for the yellow and black, scoring one goal and providing four assists. His most important goal remains the one that sealed the club's promotion to Ligue 1 last season.
Why is this transfer happening now?
The departure of Milan Robin comes after the closure of the French transfer window, which occurred on Tuesday, September 1 at 23:59. Regulations, however, allow clubs to sell players to leagues whose window is still open, as is the case in Portugal. This operation allows Le Mans FC's management to financially balance its summer transfer business. The player's market value is estimated at one million euros.
This move comes in the context of a Ligue 1 season already underway for Le Mans. The club currently sits in 13th place in the standings with just one point from two games, with a record of one loss and one draw. They have scored four goals but conceded five, giving them a -1 goal difference. The starting eleven must also deal with the absences of Erwan Colas and Samuel Yohou, both currently sidelined. The full list of injured players is available on our injuries page.
What is the profile of the club Estoril?
Milan Robin joins a club based on the coast near Lisbon. Estoril finished 10th in the Portuguese championship last season. The start of the 2026-2027 campaign has been difficult for the team, however, having collected only one point from its first four matches. The French player will therefore have to adapt quickly to help his new club climb the table.
For Le Mans FC, this sale frees up a position in the squad and brings in financial resources. The club finds itself six points behind leaders Lille and must quickly find its footing in the league. The next opportunity will come on September 13, with the home fixture against RC Lens, currently 7th, at the MMArena. The full schedule of matches is available on our fixtures page.
How does the club approach the rest of the season?
The team, led by its manager, will have to restructure without Milan Robin. His record of one goal and four assists in 28 matches shows he provided a regular contribution. His versatility in midfield will need to be compensated for by other options available in the squad list.
The immediate objective is clear: to gather points to move away from the relegation zone and closer to mid-table. The match against Lens represents a first major home fixture. A win would provide momentum ahead of a tricky run of games. The final concrete detail of this deal is the signature of the contract that now binds Milan Robin to Estoril until June 2029.
