AS Monaco will come up against Jordy Makengo on Thursday when they host Fribourg in the UEFA Conference League, months after the left-back came close to joining the French club. The Democratic Republic of the Congo international was identified as a priority target during the summer transfer window, according to L’Equipe.
Makengo, 25, had reached a provisional agreement with AS Monaco in August 2026. However, the proposed transfer collapsed after the two clubs failed to settle on a deal, with Fribourg keen to retain the defender and Monaco facing financial constraints during negotiations.
The meeting will therefore bring Makengo back into view for the club that had hoped to sign him. The defender has been with Fribourg since 2021, having come through the academy at AJ Auxerre, and has gradually established himself within the German club’s professional squad.
His performances in the Bundesliga persuaded AS Monaco’s recruitment team to pursue his signing. The club were looking to strengthen the left-back position after the departures of Caio Henrique, who moved to Ajax Amsterdam, and Kassoum Ouattara, who joined Besiktas.
Makengo was viewed as a possible challenger to Nazinho for the position. His experience in Germany and his continued development at Fribourg made him an attractive option as Monaco reshaped their squad.
The transfer nevertheless required an agreement with Fribourg, who did not want to lose a player tied to the club until June 2028. With no agreement reached and Monaco’s financial limitations affecting the talks, Makengo remained in Germany.
His market value is estimated at 10 million euros by Transfermarkt.
Monaco and Fribourg meet in the Conference League
The fixture is AS Monaco’s second match of the league phase of the UEFA Conference League. It will give Makengo the chance to face the club he had been expected to join, although the transfer negotiations ultimately ended without an agreement.
The published odds for the match rate an AS Monaco victory at 1.98, with a draw at 3.40 and a Fribourg win at 2.90.