Troyes banking on youth for Ligue 1 return

Estac Troyes, Ligue 2 champions, are betting on youth for their return to Ligue 1. According to L'Équipe, more than half the squad is 20 years old or younger, and the club has had a record off-season with twelve academy players signing their first professional contracts, led by 17-year-old Christ Batola.

From the previous top-flight campaign (2022-23), only Renaud Ripart remains in the squad, alongside 35-year-old captain Adrien Monfray, who leads the veterans. Manager Stéphane Dumont, Ligue 2's best coach last season, acknowledges he doesn't yet feel «ready for L1» and stresses that «it's not enough in terms of squad size and what we're offering». The club has already signed midfielder Iron Gomis and Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach.

Executive president Edwin Pindi emphasizes that «academy development is in the club's DNA», citing Blaise Matuidi and Djibril Sidibé as past products. Despite belonging to the City Group, resources are limited and survival is the goal. Their Ligue 1 debut is set for August 22 against Paris FC.