Senegalese-French midfielder Henri Saivet has joined SM Caen after leaving Clermont Foot, signing a contract that runs until 30 June 2027.
The 35-year-old central midfielder became a free agent on 1 July after his contract with Clermont ended and has now returned to football with Caen. Saivet completed the move on 3 September 2026.
Saivet spent the 2024-25 season with Clermont after joining from Pau FC on a free transfer. He subsequently became unattached before agreeing his latest move, bringing his spell without a club to just over two months.
Born in Dakar, Saivet represents the French and Senegalese football traditions reflected in his dual nationality. He developed in France after joining Bordeaux’s youth system and made his senior breakthrough with the club, where he established himself in Ligue 1.
Across his career, Saivet has made 161 Ligue 1 appearances, scoring 18 goals and providing 12 assists. He has also played 129 times in Ligue 2, registering 23 goals and 11 assists. His experience extends beyond France, with appearances in Turkey’s Super Lig and England’s Premier League, as well as in the Europa League.
Saivet’s career has included spells with Bordeaux, Angers, Newcastle United, Saint-Etienne, Sivasspor, Bursaspor, Pau and Clermont. His move to Newcastle from Bordeaux in January 2016 was completed for €6m, while later periods at Saint-Etienne, Sivasspor and Bursaspor came during loan spells.
His most decorated period came at Bordeaux. Saivet was part of the side that won the French league title and French League Cup in the 2008-09 season, before adding the French Super Cup in the same campaign. He also won the French Cup with Bordeaux in 2012-13.
A right-footed midfielder standing 1.75m tall, Saivet brings experience of domestic competition in France, England and Turkey to his new club. His record also includes 23 Europa League appearances, along with four appearances in qualifying, and senior goals in Ligue 1, Ligue 2, the Premier League and the Coupe de France.
Saivet has now signed for SM Caen on a free transfer, with his contract in place until June 2027.
