Joris Kayembe is set to make the move from Portugal to France, joining Ligue 1 side FC Nantes from FC Porto. The 22-year-old Belgian midfielder of Congolese descent has finalized a transfer to the Canaries, marking a significant step forward in his professional career. His arrival at Nantes comes as part of an exchange linked to the departure of coach Sérgio Conceição, who left Nantes to take over at Porto.
Kayembe’s journey has been characterized by steady progression through youth and professional ranks in both Belgium and Portugal. Trained initially at Brussels and later at Standard Liège, he moved to FC Porto in 2013, where he gradually integrated into the club’s structure. During his early years in Portugal, he was loaned out to Arouca and subsequently Rio Ave, gaining valuable first-team experience in the Primeira Liga. In the 2016 season at Rio Ave, Kayembe featured in 22 matches, contributing two goals, and began to establish his reputation as a versatile and technically gifted midfielder.
This past season, Kayembe played for Porto’s reserve team, FC Porto B, where he scored six goals in league action. Overall, he accumulated seven goals in 32 appearances for the B team, showcasing his attacking potential and catching the eye of FC Nantes’ scouting staff. The club was particularly impressed by his versatility, as he can operate across the midfield and on the left flank, as well as his ability to contribute defensively when required.
At Nantes, Kayembe is expected to sign a four-year contract, providing stability and a platform to develop further in one of Europe’s top leagues. His signing is also expected to pave the way for additional reinforcements from Porto, with 20-year-old Nigerian central defender Chidozie Awaziem reportedly set to join the Canaries on loan. The pair’s arrivals are part of a broader strategy by Nantes to strengthen their squad and enhance depth across multiple positions ahead of the next season.
Kayembe’s profile is notable not only for his technical skills and offensive contributions but also for his physical attributes and work ethic. Standing out in youth international setups, he has represented Belgium at various youth levels, gaining experience and recognition as a promising talent. His development trajectory indicates a player with a bright future, capable of making an impact at the professional level in France and beyond.
In summary, Joris Kayembe’s transfer to FC Nantes represents a pivotal moment in his career. The Belgian-Congolese midfielder moves from FC Porto, where he featured predominantly for the B team, to France’s Ligue 1, bringing versatility, attacking flair, and promising potential. With a four-year contract in place, Kayembe is expected to play a key role for Nantes in the coming seasons, joining a squad eager to compete at the highest level in French football. His arrival, alongside the potential addition of Chidozie Awaziem, signals Nantes’ ambition to reinforce their squad with young, talented players capable of contributing immediately and developing for the future.
