Key Takeaways:
- Nantes have strongly denied reports of an agreement for the club’s sale to a British-backed investment group
- The reported deal was said to be contingent on €70m in player sales during the current transfer window
- Matthis Abline has moved to AS Monaco for €25m plus €5m in add-ons as Nantes prepare for their Ligue 2 opener against Red Star FC on Saturday evening
Ownership Status Clarified
FC Nantes have categorically dismissed suggestions that owner Waldemar Kita has finalised a deal to sell the Ligue 2 side to an investor consortium supported by British funds. La Tribune Dimanche previously asserted that an initial agreement had been reached approximately three weeks ago, following an external audit process. The rumoured prospective buyers are reportedly led by a group with financing sourced from the United Kingdom.
However, individuals within Kita’s circle have branded these reports as a “totally unfounded rumour” and reaffirmed their stance that such stories have been circulating for several months without substance. They suspect the claims are designed to destabilise the club as it embarks on a new campaign in France’s second tier.
𝗗𝗨 𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗩𝗘𝗔𝗨 𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗟𝗔 𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗔 𝗗𝗘 𝗟𝗔 𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘 𝗗𝗨 𝗙𝗖 𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗦 ! 👀🔰
La Tribune Dimanche explique aujourd'hui qu'un 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗘 𝗗'𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗗 𝗔𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗧 𝗘́𝗧𝗘́ 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗩𝗘́ avec un groupe d'investisseurs aux fonds d'origine britannique il y… pic.twitter.com/Ciw6gDQFnf
— Footballogue (@Footballogue) August 2, 2026
Transfer Activity and Financial Conditions
The supposed takeover was reported to hinge on Nantes generating €70m in revenue from player sales over the summer window. So far, the Canaris have significantly boosted their funds through the recent transfer of Matthis Abline to AS Monaco, a move valued at €25m with an additional €5m potentially available in bonuses. Further funds have been raised through the departures of Alban Lafont and Chidozie Awaziem, who joined Turkish clubs Amed SK and Konyaspor respectively for around €1m each.
The squad could see yet more outgoings before the window closes, with players such as Johann Lepenant, Herba Guirassy, Louis Leroux, and Tylel Tati reportedly attracting interest from elsewhere.
Kita Family Commitment and Upcoming Fixtures
Waldemar Kita has been at the helm of FC Nantes since 2007, with speculation regarding a potential sale frequently emerging over the years. Despite last season’s relegation from Ligue 1, deputy CEO Franck Kita – Waldemar’s son – recently reiterated the family’s dedication to the club’s future.
Nantes are due to kick off their Ligue 2 campaign with a fixture against Red Star FC on Saturday evening, as the club seeks stability amid ongoing transfer activity and media speculation.
