Rodez Aveyron Football confirmed on Thursday, 3 September, the mutual termination of striker Mehdi Baaloudj's contract. This move reshapes the attacking options for the Ligue 2 side, which currently sits fourth in the table with 7 points from four matches. The departure of the 25-year-old Algerian forward was one of two key transfer developments reported by Foot National as the summer window drew to a close.
Who is Mehdi Baaloudj?
Mehdi Baaloudj joined Rodez in the summer of 2025 after leaving Clermont. The striker, who came through at Guingamp and also played for Versailles, failed to establish himself as a regular starter in the Ruthénois attack. During the 2025-2026 season, he made thirteen Ligue 2 appearances, most often as a substitute. His profile did not convince the club's management to retain him for the new campaign, leading to an agreed separation. His career path is now part of the historical records in our squad section.
What is Rodez's current sporting context?
The decision on Baaloudj comes as Rodez begins the season with clear ambitions. The RAF currently holds fourth place in the Ligue 2 standings with a record of two wins, one draw, and one loss. The team has scored ten goals and conceded seven, giving them a +3 goal difference. They trail leaders Saint-Étienne by five points ahead of a significant away fixture. The next match, scheduled for Saturday, 5 September, sees them travel to face Metz, who are seventh in the table, in a crucial battle near the top of the championship. You can track the title race on our standings page.
How does the transfer window end for the involved clubs?
According to the Foot National report, Baaloudj's exit is expected to conclude Rodez's summer business. In a parallel move reported by the same outlet, a loan involving a direct rival club was also finalized. Djylian N'Guessan, a product of the Saint-Étienne academy since the age of seven, was officially loaned by Les Verts to Ligue 1 side Stade Brestois, also on Thursday, 3 September. The young player, who extended his contract with ASSE until 2028 before this loan without a purchase option, will miss the match at Le Havre this Saturday due to insufficient physical preparation. Julien Lachuer, the Brest coach, commented on his integration by saying, "Ça prendra le temps que ça prendra".
What's next for Rodez?
The team must now focus on competition without Baaloudj. The termination of his contract frees up a squad place and a role in the attack, which the manager will need to fill from within. The schedule is immediately demanding with the trip to Metz this weekend, a match that could influence the standings for both sides. Supporters can check all the details of this fixture and those that follow on our fixtures page. Rodez's season, marked by a solid start with recent form of DWLW, now enters a phase where every squad management decision carries significant weight.
