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Tiemoue Bakayoko, a forgotten former Chelsea midfielder, has joined a new team and is again playing football.
After a miserable two-year loan stint at AC Milan, the 29-year-old Frenchman was released by the Blues earlier this summer.
Bakayoko’s contract at Stamford Bridge had one more year to run.
However, Chelsea preferred to end it amicably, giving the FA Cup winner the opportunity to look for a free transfer.
Numerous clubs were circling around Bakayoko, and it was thought that he would return to Italy.
The powerhouse, though, has decided to spend some time in his native country after reaching a deal with Lorient.
Following Benjamin Mendy’s dismissal of rape-related charges this summer, the Ligue 1 team finalized a deal to sign him.
Bakayoko has now been given a two-year deal, and this weekend’s match against Le Havre might mark his debut.
“It is a great pleasure for me to return to Ligue 1 with a club like Lorient, which is ambitious in its game and its prospects for the future,” stated Bakayoko.
“I am eager to get to know my new teammates and the fervently loyal fans,” said the player.
Lorient, who placed tenth last season, has had a respectable start this year with one victory and two ties.
Previously, Bakayoko competed for Monaco and Rennes in France.
But what really made him famous was a £40 million transfer to Chelsea in 2017.
Under Antonio Conte, Bakayoko played 43 times in his lone season.
His subsequent loan stints were with Milan, Monaco, and Napoli.
He probably won’t still be making the £120,000 weekly salary he did at Chelsea, though.