Toulouse Football Club heads into the 2026-27 season with a new head coach and refreshed ambitions after finishing 10th in Ligue 1 last term. The club has confirmed the departure of Carles Martínez Novell and the appointment of Jens Berthel Askou, as reported by ligue1.com this week.
The current picture is mixed, with a tough start to the league campaign. Toulouse currently sits 15th in the standings, with zero points from one game following an opening-day loss, having conceded two goals without scoring. The next test is an away trip to face Stade Brestois 29, who are sixth, on Saturday, 29 August.
Who is the new Toulouse FC head coach?
Jens Berthel Askou takes charge after three seasons under Carles Martínez Novell. The former assistant, who was part of the staff for the 2023 Coupe de France win, has moved on. Askou arrives from Scotland, where he led Motherwell to a fourth-place finish in the Premiership and European qualification. His task at Toulouse is clear: maintain the stability of four consecutive top-flight campaigns and, in time, push towards European places. The club boasts one of the youngest squads in the league and is increasingly relying on its academy.
What were Toulouse's summer transfer moves?
The transfer window has been busy with squad reinforcements. In defence, Ismaïl Diallo and Christ Tapé have been signed, while young David Odogu has joined on loan from AC Milan. Midfielder Thomas Jørgensen, aged 20, arrives from Viborg after a season with five goals and nine assists in Denmark, and he has already been involved with the senior national team. In attack, the club recruited winger Sion Oppong from Brommapojkarna.
Several departures also marked the off-season. Forward Emersonn, who scored seven goals last season, has joined Ipswich Town. Central defender Charlie Cresswell, a key part of the backline for two campaigns, has signed for Stade Rennais. You can view the full squad composition on our squad page.
What is the future for the club's young talents?
The Toulouse project leans heavily on its youth. A prime example is midfielder Alexis Vossah. At just 17 last season, he made 25 senior appearances and even scored his first professional goal. He has since signed a new contract tying him to the club until 2030. Now 18, he embodies the academy pathway. Players like Guillaume Restes, Aron Dønnum, Cristian Cásseres Jr and Yann Gboho also return to provide experience.
What is Toulouse FC's aim for this season?
Ambitions are gradually shifting. After securing safety, the club now aims for the top half of the table. The question is whether Askou can retain defensive solidity while instilling an attacking edge to push towards Europe. Another top-half finish should be well within reach if the young prospects develop and the transition under the new coach is smooth. The schedule for upcoming matches is available on our fixtures page.
The context of the early season, with an initial defeat and a three-point gap to leaders Olympique de Marseille, is a reminder that the road will be demanding. The trip to Brest will be a significant first test for this rebuilding Toulouse FC. Live standings can be followed on our standings page.
