Marcelo in Bordeaux, Mothiba in Troyes
Bordeaux had been looking for a central defender for several weeks but their search ended when they signed Marcelo. The 34-year-old Brazilian defender was available on the transfer market after amicably breaking his contract with Olympique Lyonnais on Wednesday.
The stopper, who made 121 appearances for Les Gones in Ligue 1 Uber Eats, signed a six-month contract with the team currently in 17th place.
“The club is delighted to welcome this experienced player whose knowledge of Ligue 1 Uber Eats is an asset to our squad,” the club said in a statement.
Lopes: ‘Rigour, experience and leadership’
Meanwhile, for Bordeaux sporting director Admar Lopes, the signing of new number 15 Vladimir Petković is a big step towards stabilizing the club during a difficult time.
“Marcelo is a player known to everyone, not only for his footballing qualities but also for his character and his leadership,” explained Lopes. “In the conversations we had, I saw someone very motivated and eager to wear the Girondins de Bordeaux jersey. He knows Ligue 1 well and will bring rigour, experience and leadership on and off the pitch. We are delighted that Marcelo has joined us. .”
Lebo Mothiba swaps Strasbourg for Troyes
South African striker Lebo Mothiba extended his contract with Strasbourg on Thursday until 2024, the Alsatian club announcing to loan him to Troyes until the end of the season.
“RC Strasbourg Alsace and ESTAC Troyes have reached an agreement to loan the South African striker to Troyes until the end of the 2021-22 season, without a purchase option. Racing said in a statement.
The South African international striker, who turns 26 on Friday, had knee surgery in the summer of 2020 and was sidelined for several months before suffering a muscle injury last September. He has therefore played very little in the past 18 months and is looking to increase his playing time at Troyes, who currently sit 16th in the league with just 20 goals scored in 22 games.
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(Photo: Bordeaux)