Yohan Roche: Benin defender joins Iraklis on free transfer from Petrolul

Benin centre-back Yohan Roche has joined Greek side Iraklis on a free transfer from Romanian club Petrolul. The 29-year-old has signed a deal running until 30 June 2027 with the Super League 1 outfit.

Roche, who was born in Lyon and also holds French nationality, moves to Thessaloniki after two seasons in Romania’s top flight. His switch continues a career spent largely in France and abroad, with the defender now taking on a new challenge in Greece’s top division.

The right-footed centre-back, standing at 1.88m, had signed for Petrolul in September 2024, also on a free transfer, after a spell with French side Quevilly-Rouen Metropole (QRM). He initially joined QRM in July 2023 following a short period without a club.

Earlier in his career, Roche came through the ranks at Stade Reims, progressing from the B team to the first team before heading out on loan to Rodez AF in 2018. That move was later made permanent and he went on to win the French third tier title with Rodez, the standout honour of his career to date.

Roche left Rodez for Turkish side Adanaspor in 2021, again on a free transfer, before departing the club in March 2023. His latest move to Iraklis comes with his current market value listed at around €500,000, underlining the significance of securing the defender without a transfer fee.

The Benin international specialist centre-back now links up with Iraklis ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, completing a permanent move after leaving Petrolul at the end of his contract.