What official announcements were made?

AS Saint-Étienne released a statement on July 3 2026 confirming the departure of 19 players from its women’s team. The club thanked each athlete for her commitment under the Green jersey and noted that all contracts will be renewed before the start of Second Division play.

Why this squad clean‑out?

Having finished last in the top‑flight standings last season, the Vertes are preparing a total rebuild. The board deemed it necessary to free up wage space and create room for new profiles capable of competing in Ligue 2. None of the exits appear among the signings announced by RC Lens, which carried out a similar overhaul.

Who is leaving and who stays?

The release does not list individual names, but the club’s social media shared an image listing the 19 exits, including key figures such as Emma Dubois (midfielder) and Léa Martin (defender). Remaining players include goalkeeper Claire Petit and striker Sofia Alvarez, both of whom have already signed new deals for the upcoming season.

What are the club’s next steps?

Head coach Nicolas Bouchard has already identified 12 potential new signings, among them two from the Swiss league and three from the national championship. Negotiations should be wrapped up by mid‑July, with the aim of presenting a full roster before the first match of the 2026‑2027 campaign.

How are supporters reacting?

On Twitter, the official account @ASSEFeminines garnered over 1 200 retweets and 3 400 likes, fans expressing both sadness over the departures and optimism for the rebuild. The hashtag #VertesRenouveau is trending, reflecting high expectations for the club’s new project.

What can be learned from Lens’s situation?

RC Lens, also relegated, released 18 players and signed 12 newcomers. That approach helped the club bounce back quickly, topping its promotion group by the second month. AS Saint-Étienne hopes to emulate this model, focusing on youth and versatility.

When does the new season start?

The official schedule for Second Division 2026‑2027 shows a kickoff on August 15 2026. AS Saint-Étienne will host FC Orléans in its opening match, a fixture that will be closely watched by women’s football observers.