Benhattabau set for Krasnodar move as African players secure key summer transfers

FC Nantes winger Yassine Benhattab is closing in on a move to Russian side Krasnodar, headlining a busy spell of transfer activity involving African players across Europe and the continent.

The Franco-Algerian wide player, who returned to Nantes this summer after a loan spell at Stade de Reims, is poised to leave France for the Russian Premier League, according to journalist Sebastien Vidal. The transfer would mark the end of a short stint at the Ligue 1 club for the Marseille-born right winger.

Benhattab, who joined Nantes on a free transfer from Aubagne in the summer of 2024, struggled to establish himself as a long-term option despite enjoying regular minutes with the first-team squad during the first half of last season. His departure had been anticipated for several weeks, with Africafoot reporting that he was previously linked with a move to Paris.

In recent days, that exit has taken shape. After starting two early pre-season matches, Benhattab was absent from Nantes’ third friendly against Le Mans and is now training away from the main group as negotiations over his switch to Krasnodar advance.

Bambas to extend Rennes deal before another loan

Rayan Bambas is set to sign a one-year contract extension at Stade Rennais, tying him to the club until 2028, according to Le Parisien. However, the Franco-Ivorian right-back does not figure in the plans of new coach Franck Haise for the upcoming campaign, with Rennes already well stocked in defensive areas.

The 22-year-old has spent the last two seasons away from Roazhon Park, first on loan at Concarneau in the National, then at Nancy, where he made 20 Ligue 2 appearances last term. He is now expected to embark on a third consecutive loan spell.

Several clubs have come forward to take him on a temporary basis, including promoted Ligue 1 side Le Mans and an unnamed Portuguese team.

Coulibaly joins Rahimo FC after South Sudan spell

Defender Alassane Coulibaly has completed a move to Rahimo FC, signing a two-year contract with the Burkinabe club running until June 2028, as confirmed on the club’s social media channels.

The Malian began his career in Bamako before spells at Casa Sport in Senegal and Nouakchott Kings in Mauritania. He arrives in Burkina Faso from South Sudan, where he had been playing for El Merreikh FC Bentiu since July 2024.

His time at El Merreikh provided him with regular game time and increased exposure, paving the way for his latest move within African football as he links up with the “Academiciens” in Bobo-Dioulasso.

Lechkar swaps Telstar for long-term Dordrecht deal

Left-back Adil Lechkar has opted to relaunch his career in the Dutch second tier by joining FC Dordrecht from SC Telstar. The Moroccan-origin defender has signed a long-term contract until 2028, which includes an option for an additional season.

Lechkar leaves the Eredivisie set-up behind as he looks for more stability and playing time with Dordrecht in the Eerste Divisie.

Sinate heads to Amiens on loan

Mali Under-20 international Dan Sinate will continue his development with Amiens SC in Ligue 3, joining the Picardy club on a season-long loan from Angers.

The deal does not include a purchase option, allowing Angers to retain control over the future of the player, who is under contract with the SCO until June 2029. Sinate, who spent part of his youth development at Deportivo Alaves, will seek regular senior minutes in the French third tier.

El Hannach returns to Montpellier for second loan spell

Naoufel El Hannach has agreed another loan move from Paris Saint-Germain to Montpellier HSC, as reported by L’Equipe. The 19-year-old defender made 23 Ligue 2 appearances for the club last season and will return to the Herault for the upcoming campaign.

The Morocco youth international, whose PSG deal expires next summer, chose to secure his loan move early rather than report for pre-season with the Paris Saint-Germain first-team squad, which was due back in training on Monday. By returning to a familiar environment, El Hannach aims to build on last year’s progress in a setting he already knows well.

Schenten to join Roda JC on loan from Cologne

German-Algerian striker Fynn Schenten is on the verge of joining Dutch side Roda JC on loan from FC Cologne, where he will remain until 2027 to further his development, according to Expressen.

Cologne rejected the possibility of including a purchase option in the agreement despite interest from several European clubs, including Strasbourg, Lille, Le Mans and FC Porto. The Bundesliga club’s stance underlines their desire to retain long-term control over the forward’s future while allowing him to gain experience in the Netherlands.