Gavin Hamilton told Sky Sports News HD that Montpellier will struggle to win Ligue 1 again.
Key players will be plucked from Montpellier this summer, says Hamilton
Gavin Hamilton says newly-anointed Lique 1 champions Montpellier will find it extremely difficult to retain their title next term.
The French outfit fended off challenges from big-spending Paris Saint-Germain and reigning winners Lille to claim their maiden top-flight crown during the 2011/12 campaign, just a season after they finished in 14th place.
But the club's 21-goal striker, Olivier Giroud, has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal, and Hamilton, the editor of
World Soccer Magazine, expects the Stade de la Mosson side to lose a host of their star names during the summer.
"This was their first title but unfortunately for them there are quite a few players who will be picked up by other clubs and this will probably be their only title," Hamilton told
Sky Sports News.
"But it has probably been the biggest surprise of the season in Europe. Paris Saint-Germain were set up as the team everybody had to beat, but with 10 games to go Montpellier drew level with PSG and then snatched the title."
PSG, who are backed by wealthy Qatari owners, signed Argentine playmaker Javier Pastore, former Inter Milan anchorman Thiago Motta and France striker Kevin Gameiro in big-money deals last summer.
And Hamilton is anticipating plenty more eye-catching arrivals during the close season as Carlo Ancelotti's men aim to mix it with Europe's elite.
"They finished second [in Ligue 1] and are now in the Champions League," added Hamilton. "That was their objective.
"I think they will now spend again to try and reinforce themselves for a Champions League campaign and to win the title next season. Money will definitely be spent in Paris."
