The ASSE has doubts about the identity of their starting goalkeeper for next season. Gautier Larsonneur is not a unanimous choice internally, and the Greens are looking into Ligue 1 for a successor.
Despite his status as a starter and captain this season, Gautier Larsonneur is struggling to win everyone over at AS Saint-Etienne. The former Brest player is capable of both the worst and the best, and the Greens are aware that they need a more consistent goalkeeper, but also a younger one to prepare for the future. In this sense, the Saint-Etienne management is currently exploring several profiles and is not ruling out recruiting a new player for this position in the next transfer window, whether ASSE plays in Ligue 1 or Ligue 2 next season.
According to information from the En Vert et contre Tous website, a Toulouse goalkeeper has caught the eye of the Greens’ recruitment team. Currently on loan at Dunkerque this season, the young Mathys Niflore (19 years old) has not gone unnoticed by the ASSE management. Niflore impressed at the northern club in 2025-2026 with only 30 goals conceded in 26 matches and 5 clean sheets. Considered very promising in his position, he is part of a shortlist for AS Saint-Etienne.
Mathys Niflore appeals a lot to ASSE
Our colleagues also report that Loïc Perrin and the club’s leaders are currently reflecting on the future of Gautier Larsonneur, whose contract expires in two years (June 2028), as well as on the current backup Brice Maubleu, who could extend for another season as his contract expires on June 30. The question remains of what Toulouse plans to do with Mathys Niflore.
It can be imagined that the Toulouse club is very satisfied with the performance of their young goalkeeper on loan from Dunkerque, and wants to eventually make him Guillaume Restes’ successor when he leaves TFC. Valued at 2.5 million euros by Transfermarkt, Niflore could be tempted to join Saint-Etienne if the Greens are promoted to Ligue 1, with a promised starting position. The situation will be closely monitored, knowing that the Toulousain is not the only goalkeeper appreciated by ASSE for the next season.
