July 19, (THEWILL) – Former Manchester City and France defender, Benjamin Mendy, has signed a two-year deal with Ligue 1 club Lorient.
The signing comes after Mendy’s acquittal in an English sex offences trial that spanned three years. The 29-year-old left-back faced serious charges, including six counts of rape and one of sexual assault, but was cleared of these charges in January. Last week, the retrial concluded with a not guilty verdict on the remaining counts, setting the stage for Mendy’s move to Lorient.
Lorient expressed their delight at signing Mendy in an official statement that read: “Lorient are happy to announce today the signing on a two-year deal of the French international left-back Benjamin Mendy.” The French international’s contract with City expired in June, making him a sought-after free agent. Despite injuries and a dip in form limiting his playing time during his stint at Etihad, Mendy’s talent and experience remain highly regarded. His arrival at Lorient comes as a significant boost to the team, which finished 10th in Ligue 1 last season.
Following his acquittal, Mendy now looks forward to a fresh start at Lorient, where he is set to commence training after completing a medical examination. The left-back’s signing represents a notable development for the club, reinforcing their defensive lineup with a player of international calibre.
Lorient fans eagerly anticipate witnessing Mendy’s skills back on display, as he aims to leave his legal troubles behind and focus on a successful tenure with the Ligue 1 side.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
