Henri Saivet joins Stade Malherbe Caen as free agent

Stade Malherbe Caen have added Henri Saivet to Gaël Clichy’s squad, bringing experience to a midfield that the Normandy club wants to reinforce. The 35-year-old Senegal international joined the club without a transfer fee after his departure from Clermont at the end of last season. Caen announced the signing on Thursday, 3 September 2026, and Saivet has been assigned the number 28 shirt.

Saivet arrives with almost 400 professional appearances behind him. His record includes 161 Ligue 1 matches and 129 in Ligue 2, giving him extensive experience of French football’s two highest divisions. He began his career at Bordeaux and later played for Newcastle United, Saint-Étienne, Pau and Clermont. His career has therefore included football in both France and England, as well as spells at clubs across the French league system.

The midfielder has represented Senegal 31 times and was included in the national team’s squad for the 2018 World Cup. His technical qualities and passing ability are among the attributes Caen are adding to their squad, alongside the leadership expected from a player with his background. After one season with Clermont, Saivet will remain in France and continue his career with Caen. The move gives Clichy another experienced option in the middle of the pitch as the club reshapes its squad.