In an interview with L’Équipe’s Loïc Tanzi, RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan (22) confirmed that he turned down an opportunity to move to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, as Luís Campos spoke to the player’s agents over a deal – but the player decided along with Leipzig’s management that it would be wiser for the 22-year old to stay at the club. The player said the following on the matter:

“Luis Campos spoke with my agents, that’s true. They were interested. But stability is important to me. We made a joint decision with the Leipzig board to stay. I’m happy because I think Leipzig is the place where I think I’m best at the moment.”

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It was reported in August that the Parisian club were looking at alternative options for Inter’s Milan Skriniar – but despite Luís Campos’ good relationship with the German club, he couldn’t convince the club nor the player to make the move to the French capital.

In an interview published in today’s L’Équipe, Lille midfielder Angel Gomes notably spoke about the day he made his debut for his formative club Manchester United, back in 2017.

The 22-year-old played with the Red Devils until 2020, making ten appearances in all competitions until leaving for the Ligue 1 side. After an impressive loan spell at Boavista after his first season, Gomes went on to become a regular fixture in Les Dogues’ first team, making 24 appearances last season and playing in all but one league match under Paulo Fonseca this year.

The midfielder recalled having a sleepless night before the match that saw him become Manchester United’s youngest appearance-maker since Duncan Edwards in 1953, and the first player born in the 2000s to appear in the English top flight:

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“The night before, José Mourinho told us that we wouldn’t be sidelined because it was the final day of the season. I stayed at home and I remember not being able to sleep… I had visions in my head, of scoring and celebrating. During the evening, Jesse Lingard calls me and says “I’m coming to pick you up tomorrow, so be ready”. I’d trained two or three days with the players and I knew some of them before, because I’d lived with Marcus Rashford and because Lingard had the same age as my brother. He came to get me, I got into his car, his nice car… While he was driving I was saying to myself, “This isn’t real”.”

“And then Mourinho named the starters and the bench, and I was on the bench. That’s when I said to myself, this time it’s for real. When I was warming up, all the fans cheered for me. I came on and Michael Carrick did everything he could for me to get the ball. Every time he had it, I could see he was looking for me. It was incredible.”

Gomes also recalls playing under José Mourinho – who was manager from 2016 to 2018 – and speaks of a coach unlike any other:

“Mourinho was a character. But a really, really good guy. Sometimes, what you might see… But on the inside, he’s very nice. With me, who was young, 16-17 years old, he was nice. But I also saw his other side. One time, he yelled at me in front of everyone. At the time, I didn’t know what to do. But all the players said to me: he wants a reaction from you, that’s how he works. Now that I’m a bit older, I see it as a lesson. I’m happy he did that.”

This is the latest feature in our series counting down French football’s 20 hottest properties, those most likely to feature in elite clubs’ 2023 transfer plans. Look out for the next player tomorrow and follow the run down in full here on GFFN.

Emerging as a first-teamer at Montpellier over Christmas in 2020 at just 17, Wahi’s talent was immediately obvious. A well-timed bending finish off the bench against Monaco on his second appearance was followed two weeks later by a stooping overhead to net against Lens before he reacted quickest to tap home a winner at Lyon in February. As a result, Wahi scored three times in Ligue 1 before even making a senior start.

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Although the teenager had to wait for another 21 league games (mostly as a sub) before his fourth strike, the second half of last season provided a breakthrough despite Montpellier slipping inexorably down the table. The third-highest goal-scoring teenager in Europe’s big fives leagues last season, Wahi finished with ten goals and two assists in 33 Ligue 1 outings and, since forcing his way into the eleven on a more permanent basis, the France under 21 international managed 16 goals in 36 league matches while proving to be a precise, skilful, versatile and intelligent finisher.

Most strikingly, considering his recent steep development curve, Wahi doesn’t turn 20 until early next year. He’s managed more than 60 appearances in France’s top flight already over the last two and a half seasons, scoring 19 goals in total. Although one goal every three matches is hardly competitive with Europe’s leading strikers, Wahi has managed a goal every 174 minutes over his career so far, an impressive return for one so young, especially in a robust division where young strikers often start slowly. Only Kylian Mbappé (41) scored more goals before the age of 20 in the French top flight, meaning Wahi’s 19 puts him above Karim Benzema and Ousmane Dembélé, both of whom hit 18.

A modern twist on a traditional poacher or ‘fox-in-the-box’, Wahi’s strengths are his precise intelligent finishing as well as his pace and movement plus an ability to manufacture chances around the penalty spot to score a wide variety of goals. By November this year, only three Ligue 1 players outperformed their xG more than Wahi while he placed seventh for goals per shot last term, underlining the Montpellier man’s ruthlessness. A lightning burst of acceleration makes the striker difficult to marshal and a constant threat, he was clocked at over 35kph earlier this season.

Wahi’s deadly finishing is aided by finely tuned technical ability, impressive for one so young, as proven by a goal-of-the-season contender against Lyon in October. After OL failed to clear a Montpellier attack, midfielder Jordan Ferri looped a bouncing ball back into a crowded penalty area. With his back to goal and marked by Damien Da Silva near the penalty spot, a back-peddling Wahi, not even glancing at the goal, produced a spectacular volleyed over-the-shoulder scissor kick to equalise.

Always ahead of his academy teammates, Wahi’s ability to perfectly time such volleys has become a trademark. Pierre Ville, the former president of Wahi’s first club, JS Suresnes, which also produced N’Golo Kante, explained to Goal: “He was two or three years ahead of his peers in terms of what he could do. He quickly outclassed them. During a tournament that we hosted, I saw him score a volley with the ball falling vertically out of the sky, it was like watching Zidane in the 2002 Champions League final, but the boy was just 11-years-old.”

Trademark scissor kicks, neat one-on-one finishes, diving headers, tap-ins after ghosting in at the back post, an ability to cleverly round opposing goalkeepers and shimmies to beat tight-marking defenders before firing home, not to mention another sumptuous controlled volley with his laces on the run in the 7-0 mauling of Brest earlier this season, prove Wahi’s versatility as a goalscorer. Although the striker can fade to a game’s fringes for long spells, not helped by an erratic Montpellier side in recent times, the 19-year-old often still coolly dispatches his only meaningful chance of the match.

Although ostensibly a number nine, Wahi’s pace and average height have seen him used on the flanks occasionally too. Just four career assists show the teenager is less useful as a facilitator and, despite often using his body smartly to hold off imposing centre-backs, his current lack of physicality could be seen as an issue. Wahi is fortunate that smaller, nippier number nines are increasingly suited to modern football, as are strike partnerships, but many potential suitors may still be put off by a combination of the goal scorer’s narrow skillset and lack of size. Players like Javier Hernandez and Giuseppe Rossi spring to mind in that regard.

Wahi has also struggled with attitude issues in the past, he was expelled from school after an unsavoury incident involving the harassment of fellow students and a complaint was made to Montpellier against last year by a woman the player allegedly punched outside a nightclub. The player also left Caen’s academy in his mid-teens under a cloud. As quoted by So Foot, now sacked Montpellier coach Olivier Dall-Oglio explained: “You have to advise him, guide him, sometimes be the father figure, the bad guy, the nice guy… He’s slowly learning on his own but, for now, he needs guidance… You have to make him understand that talent isn’t enough… His challenge will also be to find the right balance between the selfishness of a striker and the collective side of the game.”

Having left Caen, Wahi had offers from England but chose Montpellier. However, should he continue on his development curve and maintain a prolific goal-scoring record, bigger clubs will soon be interested again. Having signed a new contract with Montpellier in March that runs to 2025, Rennes were quoted €25m to sign the striker, now represented by superagent Jorge Mendes, last summer before moving on to Arnaud Kalimuendo. Despite that trio of strikes so early in his career and an impressive record since, Wahi has oddly flown under the radar outside France but it won’t stay that way for much longer.

Adam White

Marseille wing-back Jonathan Clauss (30) has reacted to his surprise omission from France’s World Cup squad. The former RC Lens player had looked to be a shoo-in to be selected for the tournament, which gets underway in Qatar on Sunday. 

Clauss, who at the age of 30 only made his France debut this year, looked likely to make Didier Deschamps’ squad. Having featured for Les Bleus six times this calendar year, and blossoming since his summer arrival at Marseille, he looked like the stand-out option at right-wing-back. 

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However, Deschamps has opted to change formation. In a recent press conference, he confirmed a return to a back-four, leaving no space for Clauss. The Frenchman has now reacted to his omission through a post on Instagram. “During these past months, I have had the chance to accomplish many of my dreams. The win against Monaco reminds me that you must never give up and that hard work always pays off. Such is the life of an athlete: you fall, you get back up, you move forward and you win again,” said Clauss. 

He continued, “I want to thank Marseille, the staff, my teammates, my close ones, and of course the french supporters who have really supported me. For me, the time to relax has now arrived, to allow me to come back stronger. For others, the World Cup is about to start and I hope that my team can win this 2022 edition. It is ours to win, guys!”

France’s World Cup defence gets underway with a game against Australia next Tuesday. Les Bleus then face Denmark and Tunisia. 

According to BeIN Sport former Lyon, Aston Villa, and West Ham striker John Carew has been given a 14 month jail sentence for tax fraud, announces an Oslo judge.

The former Gones attacker and Norway international has been charged for not having declared taxes in Norway worth up to €1.2m between 2014 and 2019, as well as personal tax of up to €27m as a fiscal resident in the country.

The centre-forward retired in 2012 at West Ham United after a career which spanned across the continent in Spain, France, Turkey, and of course England. At Lyon Carew made a total of 53 appearances and scored 17 goals in total for the club, providing four assists on the way. Carew made 131 appearances for Aston Villa with 48 goals for the Villians, providing 12 assist over two spells at the club, where he actually joined from Lyon for a fee of €6m.

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Speaking to Marca, Christophe Galtier has said that he doubted his ability to manage Paris Saint-Germain. Having joined from OGC Nice in the summer, the Frenchman has led the reigning Ligue 1 champions to the top of the domestic division, whilst the club also progressed from their Champions League group. 

In a revealing interview, transcribed by L’Équipe, Galtier said that when he was offered the role, he doubted whether he was good enough to accept it. Following Luis Campos’ arrival in the summer, Galtier became the priority for the managerial position vacated by Mauricio Pocchettino. 

Campos had previously worked with Galtier at Lille, where the pair led Les Dogues to the Ligue 1 title. “I didn’t know if I was strong enough to accept Luis Campos’ offer,” said Galtier. The former Nice manager, who led Les Aiglons to the Coupe de France final last season continued, “If I didn’t accept it, I may as well have retired because you’re only given one chance in your life to manage this big club and these players.” 

Galtier also spoke about Lionel Messi’s, Kylian Mbappé’s and Neymar’s big personalities. “There isn’t a big champion without a big personality,” said Galtier, who denied that there is any jealousy between the three of them. 

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Kylian Mbappé (23) scored twice against Denmark, which not only secured the win, as well as France’s qualification from their World Cup group, but also drew him level with the great Zinédine Zidane for goals scored for Les Bleus. 

The Paris Saint-Germain began the night on 29 goals for France in 61 appearances. His two goals, the second of which came in the dying minutes draws him level with Zidane on 31. Zidane’s 31 goals came in 108 appearances for Les Bleus. Only David Trezeguet (34), Karim Benzema (37), Michel Platini (41), Antoine Griezmann (42), Olivier Giroud (51) and Thierry Henry (51) have more. 

In just his second World Cup, Mbappé also became France’s second all-time top-scorer in the competition. The PSG forward now has seven World Cup goals, going ahead of Platini and Zidane, who both have five. He will now go in search of Just Fontaine’s incredible tally of 13 World Cup goals, all of which were scored in the 1958 World Cup. 

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Emiliano Martínez (30) has continued his mockery of France forward Kylian Mbappé (24) during Argentina’s open-top bus parade, celebrating their World Cup victory. 

Argentina beat Les Bleus in Sunday’s World Cup final in Qatar on penalties after a 3-3 draw. In a video widely shared on social media post-match, World Cup Golden Glove winner Martínez was seen mocking Mbappé, calling for “a minute’s silence” for the player before immediately continuing the celebrations. 

During an open-top bus parade through Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires, Martínez has now been pictured holding a toy baby with a photo of Mbappé stuck to its face. Videos of a fan with a burning coffin with Mbappé face stuck on it have also been shared on social media. 

Mbappé, who won the Golden Boot, after scoring eight goals over the course of the tournament, scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final. Including his goal in the penalty shootout, Mbappé beat Martínez on four occasions over the course of the final. 

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This is taken from the GFFN 100, our leading 150-page FREE publication ranking the best 100 players in France, see the full list and read every profile right here.

‘Presidential candidate’ was not the title Rennes midfielder Benjamin Bourigeaud was aiming for last season.

However, amid a career-best campaign, the 28-year-old’s form was such that Rennes fans with a sense of humour added Bourigeaud’s name to their blot papers during France’s presidential election in April. One even added a poster to Twitter that implored: “Vote Bourigeaud.” Bourigeaud may have been pipped by Emmanuel Macron in the end, but his year has been victory-filled nonetheless.

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Thanks to shrewd business from sporting director Florian Maurice and the flowing football engineered by coach Bruno Genesio, Rennes have brought more joy to Ligue 1 than any other team in 2022 but Rennes’ countless flowing team goals have arguably been surpassed by Bourigeaud’s form as the headline.

The 28-year-old Frenchman has long been a consistent, skilful creator but his vision, astute movement and interplay have been set free by Genesio’s freewheeling style, as well as the fresh influx of imagination alongside him.

Finishing the season in double figures for league goals and assists (12 assists, 11 assists) the swaggering Bourigeaud’s effect on Genesio’s team has increased exponentially this year. Although aided by the intelligence and versatility of Rennes’ forward line, no one in Ligue 1 is as deadly from crosses or set pieces. The flat, whipped nature of Bourigeaud’s deliveries is strikingly reminiscent of a young David Beckham’s.

Considering Martin Terrier’s prolific year, the low-key excellence of Flavien Tait and some irresistible performances from Lovro Majer, it’s no minor compliment to say Bourigeaud is now Rennes most important player, which Genesio clearly recognises, making Bourigeaud the sole un-droppable man, playing 48 games last season across all competitions. His only absence, a Coupe de France tie in January was due to illness.

Aside from Kylian Mbappé, no one produced a more effective, more consistent, or imposing individual campaign in France last term, only Lionel Messi and Mbappé managed more Ligue 1 assists and just Mbappé and Dimitri Payet provided more short-creating actions. Most impressively, Bourigeaud’s 21/22 expected assists tally of 13.2 was the highest across Europe’s top five leagues.

According to FBRef, in France, he also finished with the fifth most progressive passes, the third most crosses, the most successful crosses and the second most passes into the area. A record of 121 key passes was the most impressive tally, however, being by far the most in Ligue 1. Marseille’s Dimitri Payet was second with 101, while Jonathan Clauss’ 76 made the Lens wing-back a distant third.

With just a year on his current contract come last summer, potential suitors sensed an opportunity with Real Betis, Roma and especially Lazio interested in the player but, despite it seemingly likely he would leave, Bourigeaud was eventually convinced to stay, signing a new deal until 2026. France coach Didier Deschamps also seems to covet the midfielder, despite not yet calling him up, Deschamps pre-selecting both Bourigeaud and Rennes teammate Martin Terrier for his France squad ahead of four June Nations League games.

After a slow start to the new season for both player and club, an upturn in results has been mirrored by Bourigeaud’s improving performances since the summer. Over 21 Ligue 1 Europa League games so far, the 28-year-old has contributed seven assists and two goals. His 2022 total of 27 club goal contributions puts the Rennes midfielder equal seventh among Frenchman playing in Europe’s top five leagues, level with Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby and Olivier Giroud of AC Milan. That tally is stronger than Moussa Dembélé (26), Ousmane Dembélé (25) and Antoine Griezmann (16), despite playing a similar number of games.

Few have matched his unerring consistency and level of influence on any one team across Europe in 2022. Bourigeaud may not be president of France, but he does end the year as the undisputed King of Roazhon Park.

Adam White | GFFN

In an interview with Ouest France, Rennes head coach Bruno Genesio, indicated that midfielder Baptiste Santamaria is ahead of schedule with the rehabilitation of his injured ankle,  “Baptiste is ahead of what was planned at the start. We will see how his ankle reacts.”

Baptiste Santamaria tore ligaments in his right ankle in a match against Auxerre in September. The player was operated on a few days later in Bordeaux. At the time, the recovery was estimated to be between four and five months, a return at best in mid-January, at worst in mid-February.

It was reported that the player is already walking without crutches and doing individual workouts in adherence to his rehabilitation plan. Luckily for the team, the midfield is one of their deepest positions. Regardless, Rennes will certainly benefit from his return. 

Santamaria is a true central midfielder who is a key player in Rennes’ 4-4-2 system. The 27-year-old is a truly skillful complete midfielder who fits Genesio’s system perfectly with efficient passing, high work-rate and defencive contribution. Rennes have been one of the most exciting teams in Ligue 1 this season. With their depth, and the hopeful early return of Santamaria, they will look to finish the season in top form. 

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