FC Lorient are making moves behind the scenes as they search for their next head coach, with reports emerging that the club has entered negotiations with Will Still to take over from Olivier Pantaloni. According to RMC Sport, the 33-year-old Anglo-Belgian manager is the top candidate to lead the Merlus into a new chapter.

Still has been a free agent since November 2025, following a brief and challenging stint at Southampton, where he was dismissed after managing just four wins in 16 matches. But don't let that record fool you—this is a coach who knows French football inside out. Having previously taken charge at Stade de Reims and RC Lens, Still has amassed 37 wins in 93 Ligue 1 matches, proving he can compete at the highest level.

The timing couldn't be better for Lorient. With Pantaloni announcing he will step down at the end of the season, the club is eager to find a fresh face to guide them forward. Still's name has been floating around the rumor mill for months, linked to Toulouse, Paris FC, and even Nantes. But it appears the Finistère side has won the race, with the young tactician's profile reportedly impressing Lorient's board.

For fans of the game, this potential appointment is an intriguing one. Still brings a blend of youthful energy and tactical nous, and his familiarity with Ligue 1 could be exactly what Lorient needs to stabilize and build for the future. Whether it's a long-term project or a quick fix, this is a signing that could shake things up in Brittany.