Saint-Étienne beat FC Metz in the relegation play-off last month. The former return to Ligue 1, the latter drop to Ligue 2. Matthieu Udol (28), captain of Les Grenats featured in that play-off, however, according to a report from L’Équipe, he now wants to leave for the club that came out victorious in early June.
Metz have made no secret of their desire to retain Udol. The club captain, whose contract runs until 2027, remains indispendable for his side, last season making 32 league appearances. Les Grenats, now led by Stéphane Le Mignan following the departure of Laszlo Bölöni, are hoping that Udol can lead them back to Ligue 1 next season.
However, Metz’s captain has told the new manager that he wishes to leave the club amid interest from Les Verts. Udol wants to feature in Ligue 1 next season and as a result, wants to leave Metz to join Saint-Étienne, against the will of his current club. All the ingredients are there for a tense stand-off between club and captain.
According to a report by French outlet Le 10 Sport, Georges Mikautadze has been the subject of interest from West Ham United. The East London club submitted the highest offer to sign the 23-year-old from Ligue 1-relegated club FC Metz in the summer transfer window. However, AS Monaco or AS Roma will land him instead, with West Ham bowing out of the race.
