Fourteenth, four points from the relegation zone, FC Nantes is not panicking yet. But the Canaries, who have a string of draws (9) and look like a turtle, would do well to strengthen this winter, to avoid problems at the end of the season. With four descents, the bottom of the table is ultra-tight and after Bordeaux and Saint-Etienne last year, surprises could still occur this year. Also engaged in the Coupe de France (16th finals to be played against Thaon, resident of Regional 1) and in the Europa League (16th finals to be played against Juventus), the troops of Antoine Kombouaré, who declared in conference of hurry “I have requests: it happens, it’s good, it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t matter”, initially targeted three profiles. But they could go further.
A central defender, an attacking midfielder and a right winger. These were AK’s initial demands. But in recent hours, things have changed a bit. And the Nantes people could also position themselves to recover a left side and a number 9 of standing. A transfer window of opportunities, as they say. Third worst attack in Ligue 1 (18 goals scored in 18 days), behind Ajaccio (15) and the Auxerre / Angers duo (16), Nantes have won only three matches during this exercise. Facing Toulouse (12th), Brest (17th) and Auxerre (18th). In this case, the leading attacker is often one of the main culprits. As of January 13, Mostafa Mohamed, Ignatius Ganago and Evann Guessand have scored only 8 goals between them. With a view to panicking the counters a little more, Nantes should therefore welcome a scorer.
Andy Delort wants Nantes, Nice discusses
As we revealed to you exclusively a few days ago, FC Nantes is in advanced contact with Nice and Andy Delort. The 31-year-old Algerian international, author of 6 goals in 14 Ligue 1 matches, wants to leave the Aiglons this winter and the two clubs are discussing. According to West France, Nice would have refused a first Nantes offer of 2 million euros. A figure quite far from the proposals from the emirates, which are around 6 million euros. According to our information, a loan with an option to buy is also on the agenda. In all cases, West France recalls that the player “wants” Nantes, which he has made a “priority”. All that remains for the two clubs is to find common ground. Nice are tough in business, but the two parties could agree this weekend.
The Jordanian Al-Tamari on the right wing before the summer?
In front, the right wing is also a priority. Ludovic Blas and Evann Guessand often help out on this right side in Nantes’ 4-2-3-1, where Marcus Coco rarely holds. Customary of the position, Kader Bamba, 28, is on his way to ASSE (L2), which should recover him on loan, with no option to buy. And it is in Belgium that the Canaries have found the rare pearl to fill this corridor. This is the Jordanian international with 42 selections Mousa Al-Tamari. Louvain player (9th in the Pro League), Al-Tamari, 25, 4 goals and 2 assists in 19 matches this season, pleases Antoine Kombouaré. At the end of the contract in June, the newspaper from the west of France specifies that if he does not join the banks of the Erdre in January, Al-Tamari would be expected next summer. However, recently, OF explained that the file was at a standstill.
The end of the Bayat monopoly on the transfer window?
Nantes and Belgium, a long history. As revealed by West France, skilled in recounting the mysteries of power with precision, the Nantes transfer window could become a little more thrilling. The newspaper explains that the influential agent Mogi Bayat, very active in Belgium where his brother Mehdi takes care of Sporting de Charleroi, “unofficial sports director of FC Nantes”, which has held a monopoly on club transfers for many years, could lose influence. The Kita clan and the Nantes staff having agreed to now discuss with other agents, in view of strengthening the workforce. Like Vahid Halilhodžić when he was the coach, Antoine Kombouaré maintains icy relations with the Franco-Iranian businessman. With this new organization, the coach as the supporters should find colors.
Florent Mollet on the raise after his German flop
A little further east. FC Nantes is prospecting in Germany. In search of an attacking midfielder, Nantes ticked the name of Florent Mollet. The 31-year-old midfielder, revealed in Dijon, then passed through Metz and Montpellier, left Roussillon last summer, heading to Schalke 04. Once again promoted to the Bundesliga, the Gelsenkirchen club secured the services of Kevin de Bruyne Burgundian. But Schalke is bottom after 15 days and the former US Créteil-Lusitanos player does not succeed in the Bundesliga (5 starts in 11 matches, 1 goal). Yesterday, the German media WAZ told us that the Canaries have made an offer to Schalke 04. And OF announces today that the two clubs have reached an agreement for a transfer of up to 1.5 million euros, bonus included. Contract until June 2025.
Damien Da Silva very close!
Finally, very recently, the western media mentioned the desire of the Nantes board to recruit for the position of left side. Quentin Merlin injured against OL and absent for 2 months, only Charles Traoré, 31 and at the end of his contract in June, remains to occupy this position. Hakim Guenouche, 22, who makes the heyday of Austria Lustenau (Austrian D1), is tracked. He will be free in June. In central defense, it is Nicolas Pallois and his knee who worry Antoine Kombouaré. Injured against Vire, in the Coupe de France, the bald giant is on the floor (absent at least a month due to a sprain) and Nantes only has Jean-Charles Castelletto and Andrei Girotto for his hinge. Reinforcement is therefore expected. Damien Da Silva (OL), is a track already mentioned in recent days. This took on much more momentum on Friday. According to our information, OL and FC Nantes are on the verge of reaching an agreement for the former defensive rock of Stade Rennais who has never managed to win in the Rhone city.
A reflection for Jeff-Reine Adelaïde, a polite refusal for Selim Amallah
While, according to our information, the name of Jeff-Reine Adelaide has been mentioned. The former Angevin, who regularly comes into play (12 appearances in play including a tenure), has absolutely no desire to leave OL, especially since Laurent Blanc particularly appreciates him and regularly exchanges with him. To be continued then. On the side of Selim Amallah, sparkling just like the selection of Morocco at the World Cup in Qatar, FC Nantes was interested. But the 26-year-old midfielder, whose situation is incomprehensibly managed at Standard, will not join Nantes. According to our information, the club from the banks of the Erdre absolutely wants players who already know Ligue 1. Antoine Kombouaré does not want to take any risks with a possible adaptation period this winter.
Despite stalled negotiations, Blas, Lafont and Simon will stay
While right-backs Fabio and Dennis Appiah have just left Nantes, the future of Ludovic Blas and Alban Lafont, undoubtedly the most bankable players in the FCN, remains unclear. Problem, they will both arrive at the end of the contract in June 2024. And they have no intention of signing a new contract for the moment. Despite strong interest from Nice and Marseille, Blas will stay in Nantes this winter. According to our information, the player wants to play in the Europa League play-off against Juventus and give himself the choice of leaving for the club of his choice next summer, he who will then be one year from the end of his contract on the club 8 times champion of France. Same story on the side of Moses Simon (contract until 2024), for which negotiations are at a standstill. In the meantime, FC Nantes does not intend to let go of any of these three elements during the winter transfer window.
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