FC Lorient part ways with Congolese defender Gédéon Kalulu ahead of Ligue 1 return

Gédéon Kalulu will leave FC Lorient this summer after the club informed him he is not part of their plans for the upcoming Ligue 1 campaign.

According to Le Télégramme, Lorient have communicated their decision to move on from the 27-year-old defender, just weeks after securing promotion back to the French top flight.

Kalulu, who joined the club two years ago, will now be seeking a new challenge as he prepares to exit the Stade du Moustoir.

The Congolese international struggled to cement a regular place in the starting lineup throughout his time at Lorient.

Despite his solid defensive capabilities and sharp tactical awareness, he was unable to convince successive coaching staffs of his place in the core of the team.

His involvement this past season was limited to just 20 appearances, with the majority of those coming from the bench.

Kalulu’s time in Brittany has been marked by inconsistency in playing time rather than a lack of ability. He joined Lorient with promise and pedigree, bringing versatility and composure to the backline.

However, as the club’s ambitions shifted—culminating in a return to Ligue 1—so too did their strategic vision for the squad.

As Lorient prepare for the rigours of top-flight football, efforts are already underway to strengthen the team.

With the club looking to reinforce key positions and add depth across the pitch, the decision to release Kalulu appears to be part of a broader restructuring aimed at ensuring competitiveness in Ligue 1.

For Kalulu, the decision marks the end of a chapter but also opens the door to new opportunities. At 27, he remains in the prime of his career and is expected to attract interest in the current transfer window.

His experience in both Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, combined with his international background, gives him a valuable profile for clubs seeking defensive reinforcements.

The former Lyon academy product has shown flashes of his potential during his stint at Lorient, particularly through his strong positional play and intelligent reading of the game.

Though his role was largely secondary this season, he remained a reliable option when called upon and maintained a professional attitude throughout.

Lorient’s return to Ligue 1 signals a fresh start for the club, and that inevitably comes with tough decisions regarding personnel. Kalulu’s exit, while not entirely unexpected, is a clear sign of the club’s intent to recalibrate its roster to meet the demands of elite competition.

As the summer transfer window unfolds, all eyes will be on Kalulu’s next move. Whether he opts to remain in France or explore options abroad, his departure from Lorient ensures that he will be among the names to watch in the coming weeks.