Yanis Zouaoui leaves Le Havre to join Montpellier until 2028

Yanis Zouaoui has left Le Havre to join Montpellier, with the 28-year-old defender signing a contract with the Ligue 2 club until June 2028.

The move brings an end to Zouaoui’s time at Le Havre after the left-back fell out of favour under manager Didier Digard.

Zouaoui had featured only once in Ligue 1 this season and appeared to have slipped down the pecking order at the club. With limited opportunities available to him, the defender has now opted for a new challenge with Montpellier.

The transfer gives the experienced full-back an opportunity to restart his career and seek a more regular role.

Montpellier are also hoping Zouaoui’s experience will strengthen their defence as they look to benefit from the arrival of a player who has already played at Ligue 1 level.

The French club confirmed the signing, with Zouaoui agreeing to remain at Montpellier until 2028. The financial details of the transfer have not been disclosed.

His departure from Le Havre follows a difficult period in terms of playing time. Although he remained part of the club’s squad, his involvement had become limited, with only one Ligue 1 appearance this season.

That lack of opportunities ultimately paved the way for his move to Montpellier.

For Zouaoui, the transfer represents the chance to take on a more prominent role and regain the regular football he has been seeking.

Montpellier, meanwhile, have placed their confidence in the defender’s experience as they strengthen their defensive options.

The 28-year-old will now begin a new chapter in Ligue 2, where he will look to establish himself as an important member of the Montpellier squad.

The length of his new contract underlines the club’s commitment to the player, with the agreement running through June 2028.

While the transfer fee has not been revealed, the move has been completed and Zouaoui is now officially a Montpellier player.

His immediate task will be to adapt to his new surroundings and compete for a starting place in the defence.

The switch also provides him with the opportunity to put his limited involvement at Le Havre behind him and rebuild his momentum.

Zouaoui’s departure means he leaves Le Havre after a spell in which his opportunities became increasingly restricted under Digard.

At Montpellier, he will hope for a different role and the chance to demonstrate the qualities that persuaded the club to hand him a contract lasting until 2028.

For both player and club, the move represents a fresh start, with Zouaoui seeking regular football and Montpellier looking to benefit from his experience in defence.