Annecy announces Abdel Hbouch's exit and Zepiqueno Redmond's arrival

FC Annecy confirmed on Wednesday that 20‑year‑old Dutch forward Zepiqueno Redmond joins on a season‑long loan from Aston Villa, while Abdel Hbouch moves to Boulogne‑sur‑Mer in Ligue 2. The offensive midfielder, who saw limited minutes in the second half of the campaign, leaves on a free transfer with a sell‑on clause benefiting Annecy.

How the transfer window shifts Annecy's outlook

Hbouch, who contributed 8 goals and 8 assists last season in National, struggled to cement a place in the Haute‑Savoie lineup. His departure frees a slot and lets the coach experiment with new combos. Redmond, an Aston Villa academy product, adds pace and creativity. A one‑year loan gives Annecy a low‑risk option without a large financial outlay.

What other moves shaped the market activity?

Incoming players include Mondésir (Montlouis, N2), Marre (Istres, N2) and several youngsters from amateur clubs. Outgoing names feature Makutungu (Cannes, L3), Rowe and Patterson (loans ending from Aston Villa) as well as several contracts that have expired. The full list shows a squad in transition, with promoted youth and departing veterans.

Where does Annecy stand in the league race?

Annecy currently sits 7th in Ligue 2 with 52 points, recording 15 wins, 7 draws and 12 losses from 34 games. The team has scored 49 goals and conceded 39, a +10 goal difference. The latest result, a 1‑2 loss to Rodez on 9 May 2026, left the side on a recent form of 3 wins, 0 draws and 2 defeats, the two losses being the most recent. Annecy trails leaders ESTAC Troyes by 15 points, making every point vital in the push for European spots.

What challenges lie ahead for the club?

The immediate task is to slot Redmond quickly into the tactical setup. The manager will need to adjust the midfield, replace Hbouch's contributions and exploit the youngster's speed. Upcoming fixtures against mid‑table opponents will be decisive to cement the 7th‑place standing and narrow the gap to the league leaders.