Darlin Yongwa: Cameroon left-back and free agent linked with Nice move

Darlin Yongwa, the Cameroon left-back currently without a club after leaving FC Lorient, is being linked with a move to Ligue 1 side Nice. The 25-year-old is available as a free agent following the end of his spell in Brittany and is understood to be under consideration as Nice look to reinforce their options on the left side of defence.

Yongwa departed Lorient on 1 July 2026, shortly after helping the club secure the French second-tier title in the 2024-25 season. His market value is currently estimated at 5m, a figure that could make him an appealing low-cost addition for a top-flight club seeking proven experience in French football.

Born in Douala in September 2000, the left-footer has built his career in France since moving from Brasseries to Niorts reserve side in 2019, later establishing himself at Chamois Niort before joining Lorient in 2022 for a reported 1.5m fee. Since then he has accumulated close to 60 Ligue 1 appearances, adding to an extensive spell in Ligue 2 earlier in his career.

Yongwa has operated primarily at left-back but is listed broadly as a defender, standing at 1.77m and offering top-flight experience alongside a sustained run of minutes in French professional football. His availability on a free transfer gives Nice the chance to strengthen without committing a significant fee.

For now, Yongwa remains unattached following his Lorient exit, with discussions over his next move yet to be finalised.