Anderlecht adds versatile French defender Léo Pétrot to squad

On Thursday, Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht confirmed the arrival of French left‑back Léo Pétrot on a two‑year deal, marking the club’s second summer signing after Giulian Biancone. The 24‑year‑old joins the Brussels side free of contract after ending his spell with Elche, where he featured in 32 league games and four Copa del Rey ties last season. Born in Firminy, Léo Pétrot was developed at Saint‑Étienne from 2012 to 2019. He made his senior debut with Andrézieux‑Bouthéon FC between 2019 and 2021, then spent a season at FC Lorient before returning to Saint‑Étienne from 2022 to 2025, helping the club secure promotion to Ligue 1 for the 2023‑24 campaign. Primarily a left‑back, Pétrot can also operate as a central defender or right‑midfielder, giving Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht tactical depth across the back line. His versatility complements the club’s defensive recruitment strategy.

Anderlecht’s quiet strategy meets a seasoned French centre‑back

Léo Pétrot said, "Le RSCA est pour moi le plus grand club de Belgique. C’est un club qui a des ambitions et objectifs qui sont similaires aux miens : jouer pour des titres et être présent sur la scène européenne. Rejoindre le RSCA était donc une étape logique dans ma carrière. J’espère aider le club en apportant de la stabilité défensive à l’équipe et en mettant toute l’expérience que j’ai acquise au fil des années au service du collectif." He made the statement on Thursday after signing. Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht announced, "With Léo, the Sporting welcomes a left‑footed defender with a strong physical presence and solid experience." The club highlighted his physical attributes and experience as key assets. Last season, Pétrot featured in 32 league matches and four Copa del Rey ties for Elche, where he faced Spanish giants Atlético Madrid, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Those encounters provided him with valuable experience against elite opposition. His arrival follows the club’s earlier acquisition of Giulian Biancone, marking Anderlecht’s second summer signing. The addition bolsters the squad as the Belgian Pro League campaign approaches, with ambitions both domestically and in European competition.