Nationality: French

DOB/Age: 30 May 2000 (26)

Previous Clubs: Nancy (2018-2023), Gazélec Ajaccio (loan – 2020), Rodez AF (2023-2024), Fortuna Düsseldorf (2024-2026), Red Star FC ((loan – 2025-2026)

A modern defensive midfielder with a brilliant passing range, astute reading of the game and the ability to go box-to-box, the 1.87m Giovanni is set to be the Sailors’ driving force in the engine room this season after signing a two-year contract with the club.

Giovanni arrives with considerable European experience, having amassed more than 100 appearances in France’s Ligue 2 across three clubs, while also featuring close to 30 times in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga.

Of his 116 Ligue 2 appearances, 53 came for boyhood club Nancy, where he made his professional debut in 2018. He also went on to represent Rodez AF and Red Star FC in the same division.

Giovanni moved to Germany to join Fortuna Düsseldorf in August 2024, scoring twice as the club finished sixth in the 2. Bundesliga. The former France Under-19 international then returned home to join Red Star on loan last season, featuring in 27 of a possible 31 league matches and helping the Parisian club finish fourth, just four points shy of automatic promotion to Ligue 1.