Le Havre AC begins its fifth consecutive season in the Arkema Première Ligue with a deeply reshuffled squad, as confirmed by coach Maxime Di Liberto in a Footofeminin.fr article this week. The club, currently 15th in the league with just one point from two games, has survival as its primary ambition.
The summer transfer window saw significant departures, including key players like Romane Enguehard, Laëtitia Philippe, and Chancelle Effa Effa, who transferred to Birmingham City. To offset these losses, the club has blended experience with youth. The defense was strengthened by the arrival of Kédie Johnson, while the midfield benefits from the experience of Judith Coquet and Solène Champagnac. The loan return of Eden Le Guilly from Paris SG also represents an interesting move.
How was the squad rebuilt?
The squad rebuild centered on a core of loyal players and new signings. Goalkeepers Marie Petiteau and Taylor Beitz renewed their contracts, ensuring stability in goal. In defense, Ángela Barón, Shadia Nankya, and Célestine Boisard will be supported by the new arrivals. In midfield, Mélinda Mendy and Maïté Boucly will rely on the input of experienced players Coquet and Champagnac. Up front, Zoé Stiévenart and Ikram Adjabi will carry the offensive responsibility, with the collective needing to improve its efficiency after scoring only one goal in two league matches.
What is the club's sporting project?
Le Havre AC's project remains rooted in its youth development model, which earned the LFFP Silver label. Maxime Di Liberto reiterated that « le maintien comme première ambition ». The club aims to build an intense and organized collective to compensate for limited resources. This playing philosophy, based on high pressing and quick ball recovery, is intended to stabilize the club at the top level. The regular integration of young players like Typhaine Fofana or Clara Laurent illustrates this commitment to sustainable development, which you can follow on our squad page.
What is the current sporting context?
The start of the season has been tough, with a defeat in the Coupe LFFP against Nantes (0-2) and a difficult league start. The team has conceded two goals while scoring only one, leaving them five points behind leaders Monaco. The injury absence of Sarah Kassi, expected for much of the season, is an additional blow. The staff, led by Di Liberto and his assistant Pierre-Yves Delahaye, must find solutions to reverse the trend quickly. The state of play can be seen on our standings page.
What are the upcoming challenges?
The immediate objective is to find reassurance in the coming fixtures. The schedule doesn't get easier with an upcoming away match against Estac Troyes, currently sixth, on November 21, 2026. To prepare for this difficult game, the team must work on its offensive play and defensive solidity. The team's full schedule is available on our fixtures page. The fragility of the balance between youth and experience will be tested in this crucial match for the season's momentum.
