Étienne Youté (22) was a surprise omission from Le Havre AC’s matchday squad to face AJ Auxerre on Sunday. Speaking after Les Ciel et Marine’s 3-1 win, Didier Digard provided an explanation for his absence.
Youté, who joined Le Havre from Olympiacos for a nominal fee back in January 2023, has gone on to become a key member of one of the most resolute defences in Ligue 1. Under Luka Elsner, he played 24 times for Le Havre last season, as the Normand club ended the domestic campaign with the eighth-best defence record in France’s top flight.
Despite a plethora of other youthful and impressive centre-backs, Youté continues to be a crucial member for HAC; that was until Sunday, at least. After starting both of Le Havre’s first two games of the season, Youté wasn’t even in the squad to face Auxerre, and Digard has now explained his surprise absence.
“You know the financial situation at the club. We can’t afford to lose players on a free. We need to add value to our players and these are the players that keep the economy going at the club,” began Digard before detailing the specific situation of Youté, whose current deal expires at the end of the season.
“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 the Le Havre manager, who said that it is only through signing an extension that Youté will be re-integrated into the first-team fold.
