Grenoble have lost a key man this summer. Jessy Benet, the 31-year-old attacking midfielder, is leaving GF38 after two spells totaling eight seasons in Ligue 2 — a move that comes as the club sits 12th with 39 points after 34 games, including a recent run of WWDLD form.

What happened with Jessy Benet?

The Saône-et-Loire native has walked away from Grenoble after refusing to extend his stay. Benet, who played for Grenoble between 2017–2021 and again since 2023, explained his decision to Dauphiné Libéré: « The club wants to develop but in the end, nothing moves forward. » With 231 appearances, 45 goals and 30 assists for the club, the midfielder leaves a strong legacy. His final season (2025–26) saw seven Ligue 2 goals despite a side that finished 12th with a record of 8 wins, 15 draws and 11 losses.

Why is Benet’s exit a blow for Grenoble?

Benet was one of the few players to have spanned two distinct eras at GF38. His ability to score and create made him vital for a team that scored just 33 goals all season — a total that left them stuck in 12th place, 28 points behind leaders ESTAC Troyes. As the summer transfer window heats up, the club loses an experienced figure. « I turned down several exotic destinations with attractive financial offers. But I can’t see myself living abroad with my family in some places », he said, adding Montpellier among the clubs monitoring his situation.

What about other Grenoble-linked moves?

On the recruitment front, Grenoble has yet to replace Benet. The club, which hosts Rodez on February 19, 2027 (5th in the table), must find a creative spark to fix an attack that conceded 39 goals this season. Defender Théo Barbet, meanwhile, stays in Switzerland with Stade Lausanne Ouchy after featuring in 25 Swiss Challenge League matches last term, including five in the national cup — a campaign that ended in a 3–0 final loss to FC St. Gallen.

What’s next for Grenoble this summer?

With a squad to rebuild and a packed calendar ahead, GF38 must move fast. Benet’s exit, alongside Chems Kassi’s eventual switch to Louhans-Cuiseaux, leaves gaps in a side already weak defensively. The transfer window is closing, and the stakes are high: avoid relegation and lay the groundwork for a stronger 2026–27 season. Grenoble, 12th on 39 points, will need more than their current tally to steer clear of further Ligue 2 trouble.