I’ve followed Ligue 1 loosely for a few seasons now, mostly to keep an eye on rising talent. One thing that’s always stood out to me is how often French clubs offload players — especially compared to how few high-profile signings they make in return. I was talking to someone at work who follows Nice closely, and he joked that every season feels like a clearance sale. Is this really a strategy or just financial necessity?
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Why do French clubs sell more players than they buy?
Why do French clubs sell more players than they buy?
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I always thought it was just bad business or poor planning, but now I kind of get that it’s the business model. Makes you look at those small transfer announcements differently.
Yeah, that’s actually something explained really well in this article: https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2025/ligue-1-and-frances-export-machine/ — it dives into how French clubs, especially outside the top few, are almost built to sell rather than buy. It’s a financial model more than anything. A buddy of mine supports Strasbourg and he always tells me it’s tough getting attached to players because the best ones are gone within a year or two. But at the same time, it keeps the club alive and funds the academy system.