FC Metz have announced the signing of 20-year-old Belgian left-back Yannis Lawson from RFC Seraing, marking the club’s first move in the summer transfer window as they prepare for life back in Ligue 1.
Following their promotion to the French top flight, Metz have begun the process of reshaping their squad for the 2024–2025 campaign.
With several departures from the current roster, the Lorraine-based outfit is aiming to inject youth, energy, and versatility into its ranks. Lawson’s arrival is viewed as a step in that direction.
The young defender, who spent his entire developmental years with RFC Seraing, joins Metz after an impressive season in Belgium’s Challenger Pro League.
A product of the club’s youth academy, he joined Seraing at the age of five and progressed through every stage of their system.
His elevation to the senior side was a natural continuation of his development, and during the 2024–2025 season, he emerged as one of the team’s most reliable performers.
Lawson featured in 28 matches in Belgium’s second division, scoring once and providing one assist.
However, it was his consistency and adaptability that truly caught the eye of Metz scouts. While he is primarily deployed as a left-back, the young Belgian is capable of operating further up the flank or centrally in midfield, offering tactical flexibility for the coaching staff at Metz.
Speaking shortly after signing his contract, Lawson expressed both excitement and gratitude as he embarks on the next chapter of his career in French football.
“I’m very happy to be joining France and playing in Ligue 1,” he said. “It’s a big step forward in my career, and I’m extremely proud to become a Metz player.
I want to thank my entire family for their daily support, all my coaches at RFC Seraing, and also Frédéric Arpinon, Metz’s sporting director, for believing in me.”
Lawson’s transfer is part of a broader strategic plan by FC Metz to secure emerging talent capable of contributing immediately while also offering long-term value.
With his grounding in a professional system and a full season of senior football behind him, the club believes Lawson can transition smoothly into the demands of Ligue 1.
Metz’s return to the top tier comes with high expectations and the challenge of staying competitive in a league known for its tactical discipline and physicality.
By making Lawson their first acquisition, the club is signalling a commitment to building a squad that is not only capable of surviving but also of evolving over time.
Sporting director Frédéric Arpinon has been active in strengthening the squad since Metz secured promotion and has previously hinted that more reinforcements will follow.
However, the signing of Lawson—described as intelligent, composed, and eager to learn—offers an early glimpse into the kind of profile Metz are targeting: ambitious, versatile players with growth potential.
As Metz prepare for the rigorous demands of Ligue 1, Lawson will be eager to prove himself on a bigger stage.
With pre-season preparations underway, the Belgian defender is expected to integrate into the squad quickly and compete for a starting role under the club’s technical staff.
