Former PSG and Lens defender LoÏck Landre has officially signed with Nîmes Olympique on a two-year deal with an option to extend. Previously with Genoa, Landre had his contract with the Italian club rescinded after seeing no game time in Serie A this past season. Nîmes’ fourth recruit of the transfer window, Landre is a useful defender capable of playing in numerous positions across the backline.
Soon to play in Ligue 1 for the first time since 1993, Nîmes has been bringing in ample reinforcements in efforts to compete with the heightened quality found in France’s top tier. Les Crocodiles can use their newest recruit, Landre, in various defensive positions. The Frenchman’s most familiar position is center-back but has been used extensively as a right-back as well.
Landre’s footballing career began in Paris where he was a member of PSG’s academy. The defender made his way through the youth ranks of PSG and France, making appearances for France’s U19, U20, and U21 sides. Promising loan spells with Clermont Foot and GFC Ajaccio convinced Lens that Landre was a worthwhile investment, signing him from PSG in 2013. The French defender became a mainstay in Lens’ backline, appearing in 86 matches over four years and occasionally captaining the side.
While Landre’s development in Northern France was enough to convince Genoa to sign him from Lens, he did not successfully establish himself in Italy. 24-years-old at the time, Landre joined Genoa on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee in 2017. Unfortunately, the Frenchman’s move abroad was futile, and a return to France quickly became his best option to resurrect his career.
Back in France, Landre will be hoping that more recognizable surroundings will help bring him back to his best. Nîmes will need stability at the back in order to stay up, and Landre needs a club that trusts him and gives him opportunities. This partnership could very well be an important building block for Les Crocodiles’ survival.
