Our debate of the week concerns the situation of Harold Moukoudi at ASSE. Laurent Hess and Alexandre Corboz debate.
In my opinion, yes
As much as I agree with Laurent on the fact that the old Le Havre did not give its full measure in Forez and still has a lot under the pedal, as much I think that it is unfortunately necessary to part with it now. First, because the main stakeholder – who tasted England via his loan to Middlesbrough (D2) – is more interested in staying on the other side of the Channel than in returning to L’Etrat. It is always difficult to hold a player against their will. Especially if, as former coach Jonathan Woodgate thought, Premier League clubs did come forward to welcome him.
Then – and that’s the main reason for letting it go! – because its sale would allow ASSE to reach its disposal objectives and not to ask questions if great proposals fell for Denis Bouanga or Wesley Fofana. Arrived free a year ago, Harold Moukoudi represents a beautiful prospect of added value. Its market value is greater than that of a Franck Honorat or Vagner Dias. Personally, I think Saint-Etienne will have no difficulty obtaining € 7-10 million from the former HAC player. Given the state of the market, the Greens would be wrong not to take advantage of it.
Alexandre CORBOZ
No, he can be a player of the future for the club
“I would find it a shame to sell Moukoudi this summer, as I had found it a shame to sell William Saliba as early as last summer, at barely 18 years old. Moukoudi didn’t have a big first half of the season, for sure, but ASSE wasn’t at its best. He had just landed, he had stayed six months without playing at Le Havre, and he had fallen into a sinking ship.
Selling it this summer would be selling it off
But Moukoudi is only 22 years old and he still has great qualities. Qualities that he couldn’t really demonstrate. Personally, I’d like Puel to give him a second chance. Alongside Fofana and Perrin, even Kolo, he can be a useful player this season, and why not become a pillar of the club, in defense, if he gains confidence. The presence of Moulin in the goals in place of Ruffier can help him in this sense. And his first six months of learning too. I also consider that the timing is not good for selling it. It would necessarily be a discount sale. If he returns and has a good season, given his profile, the bids could quickly climb to the other side of the Channel. “
Laurent HESS