Montpellier HSC and Saint‑Étienne overhaul ownership and squads as Ligue 2 clubs rebuild

Montpellier Hérault Sport Club (MHSC) is approaching a major change in ownership after more than five decades under the Nicollin family. The club is in talks with the UK‑based investment fund GSS, which includes former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gündogan and former Arsenal player‑turned‑scout Daniel Karbassiyoon as potential investors. The sale, still pending, would shift the club toward a trading‑focused model that leverages young talent for transfer profits.

At the same time, AS Saint‑Étienne (ASSE) faces a sweeping squad turnover. Multiple players – including Dennis Appiah, Florian Tardieu, Brice Maubleu and others – will leave when their contracts expire on 30 June 2026. The Georgian international Zuriko Davitashvili, the league’s top performer, is also expected to depart. New coach Ian Cathro must rebuild the roster from scratch to mount a promotion challenge, while the club navigates a financially constrained transfer market.