Midfielder Mathis Saka has chosen to return to Rodez Aveyron Football this week, a move made official by a new loan with an option to buy from Toulouse FC. The 19-year-old talent opted for this sporting project over more lucrative financial offers from other Ligue 2 clubs, as reported by sport.fr. sport.fr first reported the story.
The Ruthénois club, currently holding a strong 4th place in the Ligue 2 table with 7 points, welcomes back a familiar face. Saka already wore the Rodez colors last season during a previous loan, providing several assists. His immediate integration could be an asset for the team, which has scored 10 goals in 4 matches and boasts a +3 goal difference. The next challenge is the home fixture against Grenoble on September 11th, a match you can find in the fixtures list.
Why did Saka choose Rodez?
Mathis Saka attracted interest from several clubs this summer, notably Red Star and Pau. These clubs offered him better salary conditions. Yet, the player decided in favor of Rodez. "En termes de salaire, j’avais mieux ailleurs" (For salary, I had better elsewhere), he acknowledged. But his priority lay elsewhere. "À mon âge, ce n’est pas l’argent que je cherche" (At my age, I'm not looking for money), he added, underlining a deliberate and not purely mercantile decision.
For Saka, the choice was clear: prioritize his sporting development in an environment where he feels good. He expressed his happiness at returning to the club where he flourished last season. This stability offers him an ideal framework to continue his progression, a factor often decisive for young talents.
What does this mean for the Rodez squad?
The return of Mathis Saka strengthens Rodez's midfield with a player already accustomed to the collective and the playing style. His knowledge of the group and the manager should allow him to be operational quickly, a significant advantage in a promising season. Rodez, just five points behind leaders Saint-Étienne, clearly has its sights set on the top of the table.
Competition in Ligue 2 is fierce, and every new signing must contribute. Saka, with his vision and ability to serve attackers, fits the desired profile. His decision also reflects the attractiveness of the project led by the club, capable of retaining its talents even in the face of more lucrative offers. The full squad composition is available on our squad page.
What is the current sporting context?
Rodez approaches this transfer period from a comfortable position in the standings. With two wins, one draw, and one loss (recent form DWLW), the team has shown its competitiveness. The offensive output is there with 10 goals scored, but the defense, which has conceded 7, will need to remain vigilant.
The goal is to maintain this positive momentum, especially at home at the Stade Paul-Lignon. The match against Grenoble, 13th in the table, represents a good opportunity to pick up points before the international break. Every detail counts in the race at the top, which you can follow via the updated stats and standings. Saka's signing is the first step in a transfer window finale aimed at consolidating the group's ambition.
The team now focuses on its preparation to face Grenoble next Friday, September 11, 2026.
