Report: Revs To Add Benjamin Angoua via Loan with Option to Buy

It seems more and more likely that the second mystery centerback is current French league player Benjamin Angoua. Two days ago we detailed a Ouest France report about the Ivory Coast international possibly joining the New England Revolution.

L’Eqiupe of France has added to the rumor mill, saying that the current Guingamp defender will join New England on a one-year loan. The following is a translated version of the L’Equipe french language article:

A few things to unpack here. First, is the contract status for Angoua, who will be sent out on loan for the 2017 MLS season. Unlike Antonio Delamea who was transferred in earlier in the week, Guingamp could retain Angoua at the end of the season unless New England decides to exercise their option to fully purchase the player. This is similar to how Jose Goncavles joined from FC Sion of Switzerland in 2013.

Second, is the information that Angoua has not been playing much for current coach Antoine Kombouar, who is in his first season as Guingamp’s head coach. During the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons, Angoua played primarily at centerback, including five starts in the Europa League in 14-15 with the French club. This season Angoua has played mostly as a utility defender, lining up not only in the middle, but also as a left and right back. Despite only appearing in seven league games, six of those matches have been starts for Angoua.

If the loan doesn’t work out for 2017, the Revs wouldn’t be under any obligation to retain Angoua at the end of the season. However, New England is still looking for another starting caliber centerback to pair with Delamea and Anguoa could end up being a solid long term addition with his utility to also play fullback. We hope to find out fairly soon whether or not Angoua will be joining the Revs.