Stade de Reims secure Ewen Jaouen on permanent deal from Guingamp
Stade de Reims have completed the permanent signing of goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Guingamp, the club has confirmed. The 20-year-old, who has spent the season on loan with Reims, has now committed his long-term future to the Ligue 1 side after an impressive breakthrough campaign.
Jaouen joined Reims initially on a developmental loan last summer and quickly established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper, playing a pivotal role in the club's push for promotion from Ligue 2. His performances, which included 15 clean sheets, were key in Reims's season, culminating in a crucial 3-2 victory over direct rivals Red Star last weekend. The club has now exercised its option to make the move permanent, though the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed.
According to sources close to the negotiation, the agreement was always structured with a purchase obligation contingent on certain sporting criteria being met, which Jaouen has now fulfilled. The young goalkeeper's journey to Reims began in 2023, but he had to wait for his chance after initial loan spells at Rodez and Dunkerque. His time at Dunkerque, which he has described as a formative "relegation" that helped build his resilience, included a standout performance in a Coupe de France quarter-final penalty shootout victory over Lille, where he also scored a decisive spot-kick.
For Reims, securing Jaouen represents a significant piece of long-term planning. The club has a notable history of developing goalkeepers, with Édouard Mendy and Predrag Rajković among those who have progressed through the Stade Auguste-Delaune. Jaouen now aims to follow in their footsteps. His arrival on a permanent basis provides stability and continuity as Reims prepares for a potential return to the top flight, with the club currently engaged in the promotion play-offs.
The move also makes strategic sense for Guingamp, who facilitate the development of a promising academy product while likely securing a future financial benefit through a sell-on clause, a common practice in such transfers between French clubs. Jaouen's rise has been marked by his focus on mental preparation, a tool he began using during his youth at Guingamp and credits for his ability to handle high-pressure situations.
Looking forward, Jaouen is expected to remain the undisputed number one for Reims next season, whether in Ligue 1 or Ligue 2. His adaptation to life in Champagne has been smooth, and he has even begun coaching the under-11 side at local club AS Gueux, which he says helps him reconnect with the essence of the game. For a club with promotion ambitions, locking down a key performer in a critical position is a clear statement of intent.
