Mustafa Mohamed sent to Nantes reserves after late return sparks anger

Egypt striker Mustafa Mohamed has been ordered to train with Nantes’ reserve team “until further notice” after returning almost a month late for pre-season, in a row that has infuriated the French club’s coach.

The 28-year-old forward finally reported back to the Ligue 2 side’s training centre earlier this week, after failing to turn up on 24 June as scheduled.

Mohamed, who was left out of Egypt’s 2026 World Cup qualifying squad by national team coach Hossam Hassan, had not informed Nantes of his whereabouts, leaving club officials unsure where he was.

According to regional newspaper Ouest-France, the former Zamalek and Galatasaray striker took part in an individual training session on Wednesday, away from the first team, which is currently holding a week-long training camp in La Baule on France’s Atlantic coast.

The club has now decided that Mohamed will be removed from the first-team group and made to work with the reserves while his situation is assessed.

Daily warnings and unpaid wages

Ouest-France reports that Nantes had been sending Mohamed a message every day since 24 June, warning him that he would not be paid his salary until he returned to the club’s training base.

The delays and lack of communication have angered head coach Michel Der Zakarian, who did not hide his frustration when asked about the incident.

The former Montpellier manager was quoted as saying: ” اللاعب لا يريد الحضور الى التدريب، هذه مشكلته هو، وليست مشكلتنا. اذا لم يرغب في التدريب، فليبق في المنزل”.

Club sources indicated that, from their perspective, the player’s absence was unjustified and placed him in breach of his obligations. Nantes are understood to be considering what further disciplinary measures, if any, might be taken.

Unsettled striker pushing for summer exit

Mohamed has made no secret of his desire to leave the club this summer, particularly after Nantes were relegated from Ligue 1 and subsequently reduced his wages.

The Egyptian international joined Nantes permanently from Turkish side Galatasaray in 2023, in a deal worth €6.5m, after an initial loan spell. He has one year left on his current contract.

Relegation has forced Nantes to cut costs, but it has also complicated the futures of several senior players, with Mohamed among those keen to move on to remain at a higher level.

Despite his wish to depart, Nantes are determined not to lose him for nothing, especially given the transfer fee they paid only last year.

Limited role in promotion push – and few offers

Ouest-France reports that Nantes, eight-time champions of France, are not planning to make Mohamed a central figure in their attempt to secure immediate promotion back to Ligue 1.

However, the club is also unwilling to release him on a free transfer, and expects to recoup a reasonable portion of its investment.

The impasse is further complicated by a lack of concrete interest. The report suggests that offers for the striker are currently scarce, with no bidding war emerging despite his experience in both France and Turkey and his record with Egypt.

With pre-season under way and the new Ligue 2 campaign approaching, Nantes now face the challenge of managing an unhappy player who is training away from the first team, while hoping that a suitable transfer solution will materialise before his contract runs down next year.