Angers are pursuing a deal for Joseph Kalulu, the 21-year-old left-back currently at Pau, according to L’Équipe. The Ligue 1 club are seeking to bolster their options in that position following the departure of Florent Hanin at the end of his contract and are considering the possibility of Jacques Ekomié also leaving. Kalulu has established himself as a regular in Ligue 2, making 57 appearances over the past two seasons, including 33 starts in 34 matches last campaign.
Kalulu’s development has been steady since joining Pau in the summer of 2024, having previously been part of the Olympique Lyonnais academy system alongside other graduates. He also spent time at Saint-Priest before making the move to Pau, where he quickly became a key player. His consistent performances earned him a nomination for Ligue 2’s ‘Pépite’ award, recognizing the league’s most promising young talent, placing him among the eight nominees.
Angers’ interest comes at a time of potential change for the club, with Hanin’s exit confirmed and Ekomié potentially following. Ekomié is currently under contract until June 2027, so any move would likely require a significant offer. The club are reportedly exploring a deal structure that would facilitate Kalulu’s arrival, despite him also having one year remaining on his current contract with Pau.
FC Basel are also reported to be monitoring Kalulu’s situation, adding another potential destination for the young defender. The competition for his signature suggests that Pau may be able to command a reasonable fee for a player who has quickly become a valuable asset. Securing Kalulu would provide Angers with a promising young player capable of immediately contributing to their squad, while also offering long-term potential.
