Former Chelsea and Newcastle United striker Demba Ba has been appointed as the new sporting director of Ligue 1 side Le Havre.
The 41-year-old returns to the city where he spent his childhood and teenage years, marking a significant homecoming.
Ba succeeds Mathieu Bodmer and takes over the club's sporting operations after a successful tenure as a sporting executive at Dunkerque, where he was praised for his recruitment and squad management skills.
Le Havre hopes Ba's experience both on and off the pitch, coupled with his builder's spirit, will help strengthen the club's long-term project in Ligue 1.
His immediate focus will be on preparing the squad for the upcoming transfer window and ensuring the team has the necessary quality and depth to compete consistently in the French top flight.
This appointment signifies Ba's swift transition from playing to football administration, aiming to build upon the existing foundations at Le Havre.
The move is seen as a strategic one for Le Havre, as they look to leverage Ba's extensive network and understanding of the modern football landscape.
Fans are eager to see how Ba's vision will translate into tangible results on the pitch, with hopes for a more competitive and successful era for the club.