Montpellier have confirmed the signing of forward Djamel Bakar on a four-year contract following a free transfer from Nancy.
The 2012 Ligue 1 champions endured a disappointing campaign this past season, finishing ninth in the table, well off the pace of runaway winners Paris Saint-Germain, whom they beat to the title last term.
The loss of Olivier Giroud to Arsenal played a big role in the Stade de la Mosson outfit's downturn in form, with 30-year-old striker Souleymane Camara and attacking midfielder Younes Belhanda finishing the season as joint top scorers with 10 goals each.
Montpellier are in the midst of a rebuilding project, with Rene Girard - who guided them to the first French crown in their history - replaced by former Nancy boss Jean Fernandez in the managerial hot-seat, and they have now added Bakar to their ranks.
A short statement on the club's official website read: "Djamel Bakar has reached an agreement with Montpellier to join the club for the next four seasons."
Bakar was part of the Nancy side that suffered relegation from Ligue 1 this season, despite a late revival in fortunes following the departure of Fernandez from the Stade Marcel Picot.
The 24-year-old, who can play on either flank or as a central striker, scored five league goals in 35 appearances for Nancy this season, and also provided four assists.
