PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC announced on Tuesday it has triggered the purchase option in the contract of midfielder Jean-Éric Moursou, acquiring the midfielder on a permanent basis from French club Valenciennes FC. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Moursou arrived in Phoenix on loan in September 2025, going on to start in six of Rising’s final seven matches of the 2025 season, including playoffs. The 21-year-old recorded 57 recoveries – averaging 8.8 per 90 minutes – while also making 15 interceptions and winning 53.3 percent of duels and 63.6 percent of tackles in 580 minutes of action.

“[Moursou] is a big part of what we’re building here in Phoenix,” said Rising Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah. “He’s a player with hunger and desire to compete and help the club achieve its objectives. He’s a born winner and great character in the locker room.”

Born in Garoua, Cameroon, Moursou made his professional debut in 2020 for his hometown club Coton Sport FC de Garoua. While at Valenciennes FC, the midfielder made 41 appearances across four different French competitions, including the Coupe de France (7 apps), Ligue 2 (8) and Championnat National (15).