FC Nantes is facing pivotal decisions as it approaches the winter transfer window, with the potential for significant changes to its roster aimed at bolstering their chances of remaining in Ligue 1. Currently languishing at 14th place, the club is well aware it needs to strengthen its team to avoid relegation during the second half of the season. Coach Antoine Kombouaré’s role is also under scrutiny, though he has managed to guide the team through key matches, including securing progression to the Coupe de France.
One of the primary targets FC Nantes is reportedly considering is Turkish winger Cengiz Ünder, who has struggled for playing time at Fenerbahçe this season. The 27-year-old, previously with Olympique de Marseille, has only made three appearances this term. His contract runs until 2027, and his expected transfer fee is estimated between 5 and 10 million euros. Given his previous success at Marseille, FC Nantes hopes to utilize his skills effectively to improve their attacking options.
According to sports analysts, FC Nantes has set its eyes on another prominent figure: Chancel Mbemba. The 30-year-old defender, who has been sidelined since the summer due to injury, is eager to jumpstart his career but is cautious about his next move. With significant experience from his time at Porto and Olympique de Marseille, Mbemba could add substantial defensive capability to the team. A source mentioned, “His experience and leadership qualities could be invaluable; it’s about persuading him to make the switch, considering he’s used to competing at the top level.”
Nevertheless, the prospect of acquiring Mbemba involves uncertainties; having spent six months recovering from injuries, he could struggle to regain his form. Players accustomed to top-tier competition may find the atmosphere of fighting relegation challenging, raising concerns over his adaptability to the pressures at FC Nantes.
While FC Nantes is actively pursuing reinforcements, they are also bracing for potential departures. Jean-Philippe Gbamin is reportedly attracting interest from the CSKA Moscow, and Ignatius Ganago is on the radar of several clubs, including those from Major League Soccer and Montpellier. Their exit could counterbalance any new arrivals and shape the club's strategies moving forward.
The situation surrounding Nathan Zézé is particularly noteworthy. The 19-year-old central defender has gained attention from the Inter Milan, which previously made a €15 million offer. His potential sale could lead to serious financial ramifications for FC Nantes, who must contemplate whether any incoming bids are substantial enough to let go of such talented players.
Meanwhile, the club is exploring options like recruiting Abdoul Ouattara, a young Ivorian currently at Racing Club de Strasbourg, who is struggling to find regular playing time. A loan to FC Nantes could serve as mutually beneficial, giving him the chance to regain form and allowing Nantes to strengthen its squad.
With various clubs vying for their players and different reinforcements on the table, FC Nantes is balancing between internal stabilisation and possible market opportunities. The executive decisions taken over the coming weeks will be central to determining the club's direction heading toward another competitive year.
President Waldemar Kita, alongside his management team, understands the urgency for action. The focus on the winter transfer window is not merely to attract players but fundamentally to construct a team capable of confronting the challenges of remaining within the top flight of French football.
FC Nantes finds itself at a crossroads, having to evaluate every potential move carefully. With the clock ticking toward the opening of the transfer window, fans will be eager to see how the club maneuvers these high-stakes decisions. The stakes couldn’t be higher: their standing on the league table and future aspirations hinge on the reinforcements they decide upon now.
