PROFILE | French Olympian Joris Chotard risks stagnation amid tense situation at Montpellier
Yesterday at 04:20 PM
Everything appeared in place for Joris Chotard to make his long-awaited move away from Montpellier HSC over the summer. His formative club were cash-strapped and in need of a big sale, while Chotard's price had ballooned due to an impressive season with club and country.
Montpellier had for the most part struggled in the 2023/24 campaign but Chotard had been almost an ever-present calming influence on the field. The defensive shield who looked to protect the backline and win the ball back as quickly as possible, his performances stood out even in an inconsistent team and had been enough to earn him a place in the France Olympic squad.
It was at the Olympics that Chotard got to demonstrate his abilities on a grander stage. The young midfielder was a key performer in Thierry Henry's squad earning plaudits as he helped the nation reach the final where they earned a silver medal in a 5-3 defeat to Spain. Chotard started in all but one game for Henry en route to the nation's first footballing medal since the 1984 Olympics.
And yet to his and Montpellier's surprise, the touted move away from his formative club failed to materialise. Wolfsburg approached in the summer with a bid of around €9m, including add-ons, a fee that was rejected with the expectation the German side would return with an improved offer. However, a follow-up never came and as the transfer window shut, Chotard remained at La Paillade.
Tensions rise between Chotard and MHSC
It was a scenario which has not suited either party. The young midfielder was ready to take the next step in his career while Montpellier needed to sell before they could buy to reinforce their squad this summer. And the results of this uncomfortable situation have not been entirely unexpected. Unlike last season, Montpellier have at least been consistent as they've sunk to the bottom of the table with the worst defensive record in the league, while Chotard has not been able to perform to his usual level.
It appears highly likely that the academy product will not be at Montpellier for much longer. There have been transfer rumours linking him with a move away from the club during the winter transfer window. And it will remain to be seen whether Chotard will still be in France when February begins. His price tag might take a hit but it is clear that the talent is very much still there for any team clever enough to swoop now.
