Pau FC have signed Tom Saettel, a 21-year-old winger from Haguenau, following a unique scouting program titled ‘Qui va signer pro?’ – ‘Who will sign professional?’. The initiative, spearheaded by Pau FC reserve team player and content creator Valentin Liénard, aimed to offer a professional contract to an amateur player.
Saettel is not entirely unknown despite his recent status with Haguenau in France’s National 2 division. He was a key member of the French Under-17 team that won the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2022, playing alongside current stars Désiré Doué, Mathys Tel, and Warren Zaïre-Emery. He began his youth career at Racing Club de Strasbourg before moving to Haguenau.
The ‘The Voice of Football’ program, as it has been dubbed, sought to identify talent that may have been overlooked by traditional scouting networks. Liénard explained the concept as providing an opportunity for players who have “slipped through the cracks” to achieve professional status. Saettel is the first player to benefit from the initiative, which Pau FC hope will become a regular pathway for emerging talent.
Details of Saettel’s contract with Pau FC have not been disclosed, but the move represents a significant step up for the young Alsatian. Pau FC currently compete in Ligue 2, France’s second tier, offering Saettel the chance to prove himself at a higher level. The club will be hoping Saettel can make an immediate impact as they look to improve their league position. This innovative approach to recruitment could potentially inspire other clubs to explore unconventional scouting methods.
