Étienne Youté (22) was one of the key elements in Le Havre AC’s solid defence last season, helping Luka Elsner’s side keep the eighth-best defensive record in Ligue 1.
It came as a surprise that the defender remained at the club over the summer, despite interest from around Europe. It was therefore a surprise to see that, having retained Étienne Youté, he was then absent from the matchday squad to face AJ Auxerre at the start of this month.
New manager Didier Digard explained the situation after the 3-1 win over AJA, stating that the defender had essentially been ostracised due to his contract situation. “You know the financial situation at the club. We can’t afford to lose players on a free,” said Digard, amid a situation in which Étienne Youté was refusing to sign an extension to his current deal, which was set to expire at the end of the season.
Étienne Youté signs until 2026
“We need to add value to our players and these are the players that keep the economy going at the club. Étienne knows the situation. It is very clear. He was allowed to leave, he either didn’t find a taker or refused. Now, we have other players available who are ready to give everything and add value,” added Digard,
As a result, Étienne Youté has remained on the fringes at Le Havre. Only through signing an extension would he be re-integrated into the first-team set-up. With the transfer windows across Europe now closed, the centre-back has now signed a new deal. He has extended by one year, tying him to Les Ciel et Marines until 2026.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
