AS Monaco goalkeeper Yann Lienard (23) has joined Cercle Brugge on a straight loan until the end of the season. The deal was confirmed on Thursday.

Lienard, a France U20 international goalkeeper, has played just one professional game for his formative club. His pathway to any first-team football is currently blocked. Lukas Hradecky is currently the undisputed No.1, whilst Philipp Kohn represents an experienced second-choice option for the Principality club.

It was announced at the start of the summer that options were being considered for Lienard in order to give him first-team opportunities. At 23, it was seen as necessary. The solution, it transpires, is to send him on loan to Cercle Brugge. The Belgian side are a partner club. Both are owned by Dmitry Rybolovlev. Lienard had recently extended his deal with Les Monégasques until 2028. It is a straight loan, without a buy option.

At Cercle Brugge, the goalkeeper will also link up with fellow Monaco loanees Valy Konaté and Lucas Michal.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle