Cyril Mandouki has completed a return to French football, signing a contract with Stade Lavallois that will keep him at the club until 2027.
The 33-year-old midfielder had been a free agent following his departure from Turkish side Gaziantep FK in February.
His return to Ligue 2 marks a significant acquisition for Laval, who confirmed the deal on Tuesday as their third new signing of the summer transfer window.
Mandouki brings with him a wealth of experience, particularly in the French second division, where he made 214 appearances for Paris FC across seven seasons.
Known for his leadership and tenacity in midfield, the Frenchman also found the net six times during his spell in the capital. Prior to that, he had stints with USL Dunkerque and US Créteil, steadily building a reputation as a consistent performer and reliable presence in central midfield.
His signing is expected to bring stability, maturity, and mentorship to a relatively youthful Stade Lavallois squad. Manager Olivier Frapolli underlined the strategic nature of the move, noting that Mandouki’s influence will extend beyond the pitch.
“With Cyril’s arrival, we want to support our young players, promote them, and enable them to progress,” Frapolli said. “On a personal and athletic level, he’s exactly what we’re looking for.”
Stade Lavallois, who finished mid-table last season, are looking to bolster their ranks with a blend of experienced campaigners and promising young talent as they aim for a stronger showing in the upcoming Ligue 2 BKT campaign.
The addition of Mandouki suggests the club is prioritising experience and leadership in key areas of the squad.
While the midfielder’s time in Turkey was brief and ultimately cut short, the move offered him valuable experience outside of France.
However, his return to familiar surroundings signals a renewed focus on competitive domestic football, where he has already made a name for himself over the past decade.
Mandouki’s new chapter with Stade Lavallois will also allow him to take on a more prominent mentoring role. The club has long been known for its development of young players, and the seasoned midfielder’s presence is expected to serve as an anchor for both on-field performance and dressing room cohesion.
His leadership credentials were well established at Paris FC, where he captained the side and often served as the emotional heartbeat of the team.
Lavallois supporters will be hopeful that he can bring that same spirit and consistency to the Mayenne-based outfit, especially as the team sets its sights on breaking into the league’s upper tier.
With pre-season preparations well underway, Mandouki is expected to integrate quickly into Frapolli’s plans and may feature prominently as Stade Lavallois begin their campaign.
His signing is being viewed as a move of intent by the club’s hierarchy — a clear signal that they are aiming not only to compete, but to challenge.
