Dimitri Lavalée signs for Standard de Liège

Belgian centre‑back Dimitri Lavalée has rejoined Standard de Liège after his contract with SK Sturm Graz expired, signing a deal covering the next two seasons with an optional third year, the club announced.

Lavalée began his football education at Standard de Liège in 2003 and remained in the club’s youth system until 2016, before training with the senior squad from the 2016‑2017 season. He made his Jupiler Pro League debut in 2019‑2020 after a loan spell at MVV Maastricht where he featured in 32 matches.

In July 2020 he moved to the German Bundesliga with FSV Mainz 05, and spent the 2021‑2022 season on loan at STVV, adding 44 appearances to his record. He then transferred to KV Mechelen in 2022, playing 29 matches before heading to Austria.

Lavalée joined SK Sturm Graz in 2023, tallying 98 matches and contributing to two Austrian championship titles in 2024 and 2025 as well as an Austrian Cup win in 2024. He also fulfilled his childhood dream of playing in the Champions League with the Austrian side.

"After three wonderful years at SK Sturm Graz, the moment has come for me to turn the page," Lavalée wrote on social media, adding that his time at the club was "incredible" and that he was grateful for the support of the fans.

He further expressed, "SK Sturm Graz will always hold a special place in my heart and in my family's heart," noting the club helped him grow both as a player and as a person.

Standard de Liège announced that the defender signed a contract for two seasons with an option for a third, while later reports indicated he accepted a one‑year deal without an extension clause and has already passed the required medical and physical tests. The agreement was signed earlier this week and will be made public shortly.

Lavalée is set to be officially introduced as a Standard de Liège player in the coming days, completing his return to the club where he began his career.