Former France international Clément Grenier has completed a move to Racing Santander, the Spanish club confirmed on Friday. The midfielder joins the newly promoted La Liga side on a permanent deal, bolstering their squad ahead of their return to the top flight.
Grenier, 32, most recently played for Italian Serie B side Reggina, where his contract was terminated in January after the club experienced financial difficulties. Prior to that, he spent time in Ligue 1 with Rennes, and also had a spell with Guingamp. He began his professional career at Lyon, where he established himself as a promising talent before moving to AS Roma in 2017.
Racing Santander secured promotion back to La Liga this past weekend, after defeating Valladolid 4-1. They currently sit top of LaLiga 2 with a seven-point lead over third-placed Almeria, guaranteeing at least a second-place finish and direct promotion. The club is returning to the Spanish top flight for the first time since 2012, following seven seasons in the second and third tiers of Spanish football.
The addition of Grenier provides manager Asier Villalibre with an experienced option in midfield. While the financial details of the transfer remain undisclosed, the move represents a relatively low-risk, high-reward signing for Santander as they prepare for the challenges of La Liga. Grenier's ability to dictate play and contribute creatively could prove valuable as Santander aim to establish themselves in the division. The club will hope Grenier can recapture the form that once marked him as one of France’s brightest midfield prospects.
Santander’s promotion has sparked excitement among their supporters, and the arrival of a player with Grenier’s pedigree further fuels optimism for the season ahead. The club will be keen to build a competitive squad capable of avoiding an immediate return to LaLiga 2.
