Le Mans have completed the signing of Algerian international Billal Brahimi on a permanent deal, the club confirmed. The 26-year-old winger has signed a contract until 2028, with an additional optional season included in the agreement. Brahimi returns to the club where he previously enjoyed a successful spell during the 2020-2021 season.
The move sees Brahimi rejoin Le Mans after a period of travelling between several clubs. During his initial stint with Le Mans, while on loan from Stade de Reims, he scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists in a single season, earning a subsequent move to Angers in Ligue 1. Since then, the winger has had spells with Nice, Brest, Saint-Trond in Belgium, Estrella Amadora in Portugal, and Santos in Brazil, struggling to establish himself as a consistent starter at each location.
Brahimi has also represented Algeria at international level, earning four senior caps for the national team. His return to Le Mans is expected to bolster their attacking options as they aim to solidify their position in Ligue 1 following their promotion after a 16-year absence from the top flight. Le Mans manager Patrick Videira has publicly stated his ambition to build a team capable of consistently competing in Ligue 1.
The club is reportedly aiming to sign between seven and eight players in this transfer window, targeting positions including central defenders, left and right wing-backs, a left-footed central midfielder, and two forwards. Brahimi will wear the number 7 shirt for Le Mans, a change from the number 11 he previously wore during his first spell with the club. His familiarity with the club and the league could prove valuable as Le Mans navigate their first season back in Ligue 1, and Brahimi will be hoping to rediscover the form he showed during his initial stint with the team.
