Alban Lafont is on the brink of departing FC Nantes following a turbulent season that saw him lose both his starting position and captaincy.
Once hailed as a cornerstone of the club’s long-term ambitions, the 25-year-old goalkeeper now finds himself surplus to requirements as Nantes prepare for a major summer reshuffle.
The club’s management, reportedly eager to cut costs and reshape the squad, views Lafont’s departure as a financial necessity.
Holding the highest salary in the current roster, Lafont has become an expensive asset with limited value on the pitch, leading the board to seek an exit strategy that would relieve the wage bill.
According to French media outlet Livefoot, officials at Nantes would welcome his departure in the upcoming transfer window.
Lafont’s fall from favour has been as swift as it has been stark. Despite being sidelined since December, the French-born Burkina Faso international still holds appeal for several Ligue 1 clubs.
Média Sportif reports that both Stade Brestois and Lille OSC have expressed interest in acquiring the shot-stopper, with scouts monitoring his situation for several weeks.
These clubs are believed to see potential in reviving Lafont’s career under new management and a fresh system.
His diminished role at Nantes reflects broader concerns over his form and consistency. Once considered a bright young talent in French football, Lafont’s trajectory has stagnated.
Nonetheless, his age, experience, and previous performances could still make him a worthwhile investment for clubs seeking depth and competition in goal.
Transfer negotiations are expected to be flexible. With the player’s market value currently pegged at around €3 million, Nantes are not expected to drive a hard bargain.
The club’s leadership appears more focused on moving Lafont off the books than on extracting maximum financial value. A modest bid, especially from a domestic rival, may be enough to secure his signature.
Lafont’s current situation marks a dramatic contrast from earlier chapters in his career. He began as a prodigy at Toulouse FC, making his Ligue 1 debut at just 16 years old.
His potential earned him a move to Italian side Fiorentina, before returning to France with FC Nantes in 2019. He was soon made captain, a rare honour for a player so young, and initially looked set to be the face of the club for years to come.
However, a combination of injuries, inconsistent displays, and managerial changes have seen his stock fall sharply. The decision to strip him of the armband earlier this season signaled a definitive shift in the club’s internal dynamics.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the next step in Lafont’s career remains uncertain but increasingly appears to lie away from the Stade de la Beaujoire.
For Nantes, parting ways with their once-prized goalkeeper could be a turning point as they seek a new direction on and off the pitch. For Lafont, it may represent the last chance to reignite a career that once promised so much.
