Egypt forward Mostafa Mohamed goes AWOL amid uncertain Nantes future

FC Nantes have been left searching for Egypt international Mostafa Mohamed after the striker failed to report for the club’s pre-season preparations.

The Ligue 2 side are preparing for the new season following their relegation from the French top flight, but uncertainty surrounding Mohamed’s future has intensified after his unexplained absence from training.

Speaking ahead of Nantes’ second pre-season friendly against FC Lorient, Nantes manager Michel Der Zakarian revealed that repeated attempts to contact the 27-year-old striker have been unsuccessful.

“We don’t know where Mostafa Mohamed is. We try to contact him, but sometimes he doesn’t answer,” the experienced coach said.

He added that the club has also been unable to establish communication with the Egyptian international despite several efforts.

“The club has been trying to get in touch with him. I haven’t called him myself, and sometimes there is simply no response.”

The development has sparked fresh speculation over Mohamed’s future at Nantes, with the forward’s continued absence coming at a time when questions remain over whether he will stay with the club following their relegation from Ligue 1.

Nantes endured a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, finishing second from bottom in the league standings to suffer the drop into Ligue 2. The relegation has fuelled reports that several players could seek moves elsewhere during the current transfer window, and Mohamed has been among those linked with a departure.

His absence from pre-season has only added to the uncertainty, with the club still awaiting any explanation from one of its most experienced attacking players.

Mohamed has been an important figure for Nantes since joining the club, using his strength, aerial ability and finishing instincts to establish himself as a regular in the team’s attack. He has also remained a key member of Egypt’s national team, earning consistent call-ups for major international competitions.

For Der Zakarian, the situation presents an unwelcome distraction as he attempts to prepare his squad for the challenge of securing an immediate return to Ligue 1. Pre-season is a crucial period for building fitness, integrating tactical ideas and assessing the squad, making the absence of an established striker particularly concerning.

As things stand, there has been no official statement from Mohamed explaining his absence, while Nantes continue their efforts to contact the player.

With the summer transfer window still open, attention will now focus on whether the striker returns to the club in the coming days or whether his disappearance from pre-season signals the beginning of an exit from the French outfit.