Door has been open for Mostafa Mohamed to depart Nantes for quite some time: Coach

Ahmed Ghandour , Thursday 23 Jan 2025

Egyptian international striker Mostafa Mohamed could be on his way out of FC Nantes during the current transfer window, as revealed by the club’s coach Antoine Kombouaré on Wednesday.

main
File photo: Nantes Egyptian forward Mostafa Mohamed kicks the ball during the French L1 football match between FC Nantes and AS Monaco FC at the Stade de la Beaujoire Louis Fonteneau in Nantes, western France . AFP

 

The 27-year-old forward was notably excluded from Nantes’ squad in their Ligue 1 match against AS Saint-Étienne on Sunday.

Kombouaré clarified that Mohamed’s absence was due to “technical reasons” rather than disciplinary issues, but his comments to DAZN revealed a deeper narrative.

“Since last summer, even during the winter transfer window of last season, he has been on the verge of leaving,” the coach explained.

“This summer, he was ready to depart but couldn’t find the clubs that he desired.”

“Since the beginning of the transfer window, even before, we’ve been in intense discussions to help him find a place where he can flourish, with a coach who will play him. But he hasn’t found one yet, so he’s still here,” added the Nantes boss.

However, reports suggest that several clubs are circling for Mohamed’s signature.

Greek giants Panathinaikos and Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt have emerged as potential suitors. At the same time, Premier League outfit Leicester City have also been linked with the Egyptian forward as they look to strengthen their attacking options.

Mohamed’s time at Nantes has been a mixed bag since he joined on loan from Galatasaray in the summer of 2022. 

In his first season, the Egypt international impressed with 11 goals and five assists in 51 appearances across all competitions, prompting Nantes to make his move permanent in July 2023.

Last season, he netted eight goals in 29 games, solidifying his status as a key player for the Ligue 1 side.

However, he has been less impactful, scoring just two goals in 17 appearances and seeing limited playing time, often coming off the bench.

Mohamed remained a vital asset for the Egyptian national team despite his struggles at the club level in Europe, scoring 13 goals in 45 appearances since his international debut for the Pharoahs in 2019.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)

Short link: