The 10 Ligue 1 stars who could transfer this summer

Tom Weber

• 20 Jul 2024 08:30 CDT
• 7 min read

Ligue 1 produces some of the world's biggest talents every season.

2023/24 has been no different and the summer transfer window will yet again see a mass exodus of exciting players. From up-and-coming prospects to some of the best players in the world, many will depart France's shores this summer.

Kylian Mbappe, Leny Yoro and Khephren Thuram have already departed the division and more big names are on the way out, with the likes of Man Utd, Milan and Juventus all shopping in France this window.

So, here are 10 Ligue 1 players who could transfer this summer...

READ MORE: The 10 Bundesliga stars who could transfer this summer

Manuel Ugarte (23, PSG)

A €60 million signing, Manuel Ugarte could depart PSG after just one season. The Uruguay international is Man Utd's top midfield target and has already agreed personal terms with the Red Devils.

PSG are holding out for €70m, which could delay the talks as Man Utd are reluctant to spend that much on the defensive midfielder, but a deal is expected to eventually get over the line.

READ MORE: The 10 La Liga stars who could transfer this summer

Youssouf Fofana (25, Monaco)

Often erroneously profiled as a midfield destroyer, Monaco star Youssouf Fofana is actually a very good playmaker from deep and will be a valuable asset to his next club.

Out of contract in 2025, the Frenchman has agreed personal terms with AC Milan after previously also being scouted by Arsenal and Man Utd. Milan are in the process of finalising his signing, though they still need to agree a fee with Monaco.

Jake O'Brien (23, Lyon)

An Ireland international in the French top flight is a rare sight, but Lyon defender Jake O'Brien has excelled in Ligue 1. The 23-year-old former Crystal Palace youngster has impressed with his performances and attracted the attention of English clubs.

O'Brien has been linked with a return to the Premier League, with several clubs reportedly keen on securing his signature.

Jonathan David (24, Lille)

After Leny Yoro, striker Jonathan David will also likely depart Les Dogues in the upcoming window. Lille president Olivier Letang has confirmed that the Canadian will be allowed to leave as he only has a year left to run on his contract.

David has been frequently linked with a Premier League switch in recent years and England indeed appears to be his most likely destination. Chelsea and Man Utd have both reportedly enquired about the 24-year-old.

Kevin Danso (25, RC Lens)

Former Southampton loanee Kevin Danso has developed very well since moving to RC Lens. The Austrian has become a rock-solid Ligue 1 defender and has suitors in many parts of Europe.

The 25-year-old centre-back is reportedly on the radar of Man Utd, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, who know him from his time with Bavarian rivals Augsburg.

Jean-Clair Todibo (24, Nice)

Another centre-back who has gone from strength to strength since moving (back) to France is Jean-Clair Todibo. The Nice star has been one of Europe's most sought-after defenders for some time and he will likely be on the move this summer.

Todibo was expected to join Nice's INEOS affiliate Man Utd this summer, but UEFA blocked the move due to both sides playing in the Europa League next season. Instead, West Ham and Juventus have been trying to sign him and he appears to have his heart set on joining the latter.

Melvin Bard (23, Nice)

Another Nice player Man Utd held a brief interest in, left-back Melvin Bard was touted as a potential option in the Red Devils' well-documented search for a new player for that side of their defence.

However, as mentioned, they are not allowed to sign Nice players this summer and will have to look elsewhere. Bard, a solid Ligue 1 left-back, could yet depart Nice even if a move to Old Trafford is out of the question.

Ismaila Sarr (26, Marseille)

Former Watford player Ismaila Sarr only joined Marseille last summer, but he could already be on the way out again. The winger enjoyed a solid if unspectacular first season in the South of France and has attracted foreign attention.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Crystal Palace are interested in the Senegal international as they remain in the market for a replacement for Michael Olise.

Desire Doue (19, Stade Rennais)

A talented midfielder who hasn't had the easiest of seasons, Desire Doue is expected to leave Stade Rennais this summer. The versatile creator, who can play on the wing and centrally, is regarded as one of Europe's biggest talents.

Despite this, he barely featured in the early parts of the campaign and only began impressing again towards the end of the season. Doue has been linked with a move to the Premier League, but the battle to sign him appears to be coming down to PSG and Bayern Munich, both of whom have already made formal bids for the 19-year-old.

Rayan Cherki (20, Lyon)

Like Doue, Rayan Cherki is also coming off a disappointing campaign. Often singled out for criticism when Lyon were circling the drain in the early parts of the season, the wonderkid was often merely a substitute for his hometown club.

One of the most creative and unique talents in all of European football, Cherki's attitude has been questioned, but the player himself has admitted that he feels hamstrung by the exigencies of the modern game. Cherki is an old-school playmaker in a game increasingly focused on rooting out spontaneity and it is likely that he will leave Lyon this term, with Borussia Dortmund in talks to sign him.