FC Nantes is expressing strong interest in acquiring Algerian winger Rafik Guitane following the injury of experienced midfielder Florent Mollet. Mollet, 32, suffered a fibula fracture during a friendly match against Hamburg on July 20 in Austria and is expected to be sidelined for three months. Despite inconsistent performances since joining the Canaries at the beginning of 2023, Mollet’s absence leaves a significant gap, as he managed to accumulate substantial playing time with 31 matches, 5 goals, and 5 assists last season.
To fill this void, the management of FC Nantes is considering Rafik Guitane, a 25-year-old attacking midfielder or winger who had an impressive season with Estoril in Portugal’s top division.
Guitane recorded 5 goals and 3 assists over 33 games. According to reports from the newspaper L’Union, the club, which finished 14th in Ligue 1 for the 2023-2024 season, is likely to make an offer soon.
Estoril, where Guitane is contracted until June 2026, is expected to demand a transfer fee of around 5 million euros.
Guitane’s professional journey has seen its share of challenges. His stints with Le Havre (19 Ligue 2 matches), Stade Rennais (2 Ligue 1 matches), and Stade de Reims (1 Ligue 1 match in 2022) were not enough for him to firmly establish himself in French football.
However, his fortunes changed following a successful season in Portugal, which significantly raised his profile.
In fact, he was close to signing with Benfica last winter, and RC Lens had shown interest in him last spring, although neither move materialized.
In March, Guitane’s career took another turn when he switched his sporting nationality and received his first call-up to the Algerian national team under coach Vladimir Petkovic.
Although he has yet to earn his first cap, this development underscored his growing reputation and potential.
Now, with FC Nantes keen on bringing him to the banks of the Erdre, Guitane could find a nurturing environment conducive to his further development.
The Canaries are hopeful that his speed, agility, and offensive capabilities can help offset the loss of Mollet and bring fresh energy to the squad as they aim to improve their standing in Ligue 1.
As negotiations potentially move forward, FC Nantes will be closely evaluating Guitane’s fit within their tactical framework and his ability to adapt to the rigors of the French top flight.
Should the transfer proceed, it could mark a pivotal moment in Guitane’s career, offering him a platform to finally make a significant impact in French football and solidify his place in the Algerian national team.
Fans of the Yellow and Green will be watching eagerly, hoping that the acquisition of Guitane can help drive the team forward and contribute to a more successful season ahead.
Rafik Guitane intéresserait le FC Nantes ! 🔰🇨🇵
La direction des Canaris a récemment activé la piste de l’ailier d’Estoril suite à la blessure de Florent Mollet.
🗞️ @UnionArdennais (🥇) pic.twitter.com/z2pONzupeQ
— 𝗔𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗗𝘇𝗮𝗶𝗿 🇩🇿💫 (@arobasedzair2) July 30, 2024
