After spending over two decades at Olympique Lyonnais, Anthony Lopes is poised to leave the club, steadying his course toward FC Nantes. The 34-year-old goalkeeper has found himself sidelined, eclipsed by the likes of Lucas Perri and Rémy Descamps, leading to his training away from the professional squad as he awaits his exit.
Lopes, who was part of Portugal's triumphant 2016 European Championship squad, is on the brink of departure before his contract at OL expires this summer. According to L'Équipe, Lopes has reportedly discovered a potential path to FC Nantes, with negotiations between the two parties rekindled since the summer transfer window when the move failed to materialize.
Nantes, struggling with the performance of current first-choice goalkeeper Alban Lafont, seems eager to secure Lopes' services. Lafont, once considered the club's cornerstone between the posts, has consistently been overlooked by coach Antoine Kombouaré recently, leading to increased speculation about his future. The 25-year-old has been left on the bench for the last four matches, favoring the more experienced Patrik Carlgren, raising the question of whether Lafont may seek pastures new come January.
Insights suggest Lopes could sign a six-month contract with Nantes, followed by options for extension based on performance. This would not only give him immediate game time but also the chance to prove his worth at La Beaujoire after years of entrenched first-team action at Lyon, where he has played 378 matches across Ligue 1.
The interest from FC Nantes has been long-standing. This summer, the club had aimed to recruit Lopes but paused out of concerns over his contractual salary becoming untenable. Now, with the winter transfer window approaching, Lopes holds the prospect of re-establishing himself amid speculation of Lafont's potential exit.
While some fans believed Lafont could still thrive following previous commendable performances, his recent runs have fallen short of expectations. The club's need for stability, especially with them languishing at 14th place after the opening phase of the Ligue 1 campaign, accentuates the urgency for new signings and fresh impetus.
For Lopes, the transition from Lyon, his club since he was 10 years old, signifies not just the end of one chapter but the beginning of another where he might once again shine. His vast experience could be pivotal for Nantes, particularly if they wish to navigate the current season's rougher waters.
Confirming the expected departure, L'Équipe remarked on Lopes' pressing need to reinvigorate his career after enduring frustrating times at Lyon. Following his last game—a 2-1 victory over Strasbourg on May 19—Lopes had entered uncertain territory and faced growing concerns about his limited opportunities.
The potential arrival of Lopes at Nantes wouldn’t only bolster their goalkeeping department but also calls for reflection on Lafont's tenure at the club. With Lopes eager for more game time and Nantes desperate for consistent performances, both parties appear on the verge of forging a beneficial alliance in the coming days.
Overall, this impending transfer is not just pivotal for Anthony Lopes as he seeks to reclaim his status as one of Ligue 1's top goalkeeping talents, but it could also catalyze changes within Nantes' roster as they seek to fortify their standing heading forward.
