Rodez Aveyron Football had a busy Saturday on September 5, 2026, with a loss at Metz and two significant squad updates. The Aveyron club, sixth in Ligue 2 with seven points, saw its striker Ibrahima Baldé become a target for FC Lorient according to africasoccer.com, while it confirmed the departure of Mehdi Baaloudj.
How did the match at Metz go?
RAF lost 2-1 at FC Metz's ground in the fifth round of Ligue 2, as covered live by Le Républicain Lorrain. After an early opener from Pape Moussa Fall in the 8th minute, Rodez equalised through Issanchou Roubiou in the 35th. Metz, however, regained the lead before halftime through Jessy Deminguet (39th) and extended it with another goal from Fall (42nd), sealing the result. Rodez goalkeeper Lucas Margueron was called into action, notably on a long-range effort from Cristian Devenish. The visitors also hit the post through Raphaël Lipinski in the first half.
This defeat comes as the club enters a key part of its schedule, with a next fixture at home against Grenoble on September 11. Fans can check the full programme on our fixtures page. RAF, who have scored ten goals and conceded seven this season, remain five points behind leaders Saint-Étienne. The squad will need to refocus quickly to maintain its position in the upper part of the table, visible on our standings page.
Why did Mehdi Baaloudj leave Rodez?
Rodez Aveyron Football announced on Saturday, via a statement on its official site, the mutual termination of Mehdi Baaloudj's contract. The forward, who joined the club on July 2, 2025, integrated quickly into the group. He took part in the 2025 2026 season, playing eighteen Ligue 2 matches and scoring one goal.
The club thanked the player for "his daily commitment and his mindset", which it said "fully contributed to the group's dynamic" last season. The statement specifies the decision to part ways was made "by mutual agreement". Baaloudj therefore leaves Aveyron after just over a season, with RAF wishing him "full success for the rest of his career".
Is Lorient really interested in Ibrahima Baldé?
The website africasoccer.com reports that Ligue 1 side FC Lorient is closely monitoring the situation of Ibrahima Baldé. The 23 year old French Senegalese striker is the top scorer in Ligue 2 with five goals in four matches this season, having played 96% of the available minutes. He scores on average every 69 minutes.
Baldé joined Rodez in July 2024 from Lens. His contract with RAF runs until June 30, 2028, meaning any transfer would require a financial agreement between the two clubs. His current market value is estimated at two million euros. This rumour emerges just as Rodez played without its star striker at Metz, with Baldé having already left the club to sign for Lorient according to the live coverage from Le Républicain Lorrain. The matter therefore appears settled.
The confirmed departure of Baldé, along with that of Baaloudj, alters the makeup of Rodez's attack. Supporters can follow the evolution of the squad on our squad page. The next challenge for Rodez is the home fixture against Grenoble, fifteenth in the table, next Friday at the Stade Paul-Lignon.
