Chidozie Awaziem agrees move from relegated Nantes to Konyaspor in Turkey

Nigeria defender Chidozie Awaziem is set to leave FC Nantes for Turkish side Konyaspor after expressing dissatisfaction with a salary reduction triggered by the French club’s relegation to Ligue 2.

The 29-year-old centre-back, who had been part of the Nantes squad that dropped out of Ligue 1 at the end of last season, is poised to sign a long-term deal in Turkey running until June 2028.

French newspaper L’Equipe, echoing an earlier report from Ouest-France, says the agreement between the clubs is in place, with Nantes expected to receive a transfer fee of around €1m for the Nigeria international.

Awaziem’s departure follows an automatic cut in his wages written into his contract in the event of relegation, a drop that came into effect after Nantes’ demotion to the second tier. Unhappy with that reduction, the defender has opted to continue his career in the Turkish top flight rather than remain at a club now preparing for life in Ligue 2.

Nantes spell ends after relegation

Awaziem had joined Nantes to bolster the team’s defensive options, arriving with the intention of establishing himself in the heart of their back line. However, his stay on the banks of the Erdre will be shorter than initially anticipated.

Following Nantes’ relegation, the club began restructuring both its squad and wage bill, with high-earning players among those most likely to move on. Awaziem, affected by the contractual salary adjustment, became one of the first to head for the exit.

Instead of extending his spell in France and attempting to help the Canaris secure an immediate return to Ligue 1, he will now turn to a new challenge in the Super Lig with Konyaspor.

Long-term deal in Turkey

By committing to Konyaspor until the summer of 2028, Awaziem is set for a degree of stability after a period of uncertainty following Nantes’ drop into Ligue 2.

For Nantes, the transfer offers both a modest financial boost and some relief on the wage front as they adjust to the economic realities of second-tier football.

Awaziem’s move also underlines the consequences of relegation clauses that are standard in many contracts in France, where automatic salary reductions are often triggered when clubs fall out of the top division.

The transfer will bring an end to Awaziem’s time in western France, with his next appearance now expected to come in the colours of Konyaspor once the move is finalised.