Montpellier give Yassine Benhattab number 10 role in Ligue 2 promotion push

Yassine Benhattab has officially left FC Nantes to join Montpellier as a joker signing, with the 23-year-old forward agreeing a three-year contract with the Ligue 2 club.

The deal, which runs until June 2029, was confirmed by Montpellier on the club’s official website after several days of waiting for the final administrative formalities to be completed.

Benhattab will wear the number 10 shirt at Montpellier and is expected to strengthen the club’s attacking options. His arrival follows a spell with Nantes during which he made 10 appearances in Ligue 1.

The French-Algerian attacker now begins a new stage of his career with Montpellier, having previously represented Niort, Aubagne, Nantes and Reims. He is described as a versatile winger and will be expected to offer pace, creativity and passing quality to the team’s forward play.

Transfermarkt values Benhattab at 2m euros. Montpellier will hope he can settle quickly and make an immediate contribution as they pursue their ambitions for the season, including a push for promotion to Ligue 1.

The move had been anticipated for several days, but its completion was delayed while the outstanding administrative procedures were finalised. The formal announcement now confirms Benhattab’s departure from Nantes and his commitment to Montpellier through the end of the 2028-29 season.

His first challenge with the club could come shortly, when Montpellier play their fifth-round match in the French Ligue 2 championship against Saint-Etienne.

Ahead of that fixture, betting company 1xBet listed Montpellier at 5.60 to win, with a draw priced at 4.20 and a Saint-Etienne victory at 1.48. The source article also referred to the availability of a 1xBet download option.

Montpellier’s decision to give Benhattab the number 10 shirt underlines the attacking responsibility attached to his arrival. The club will be looking to his ability to operate in different wide and creative roles as it seeks to improve its prospects in Ligue 2.

For Benhattab, the transfer represents an opportunity to establish himself in a new project after his time at Nantes. His previous experience across Niort, Aubagne, Reims and Nantes has included exposure to different levels of French football, while his 10 Ligue 1 appearances provide the latest reference point in his development.

Montpellier’s immediate focus is the meeting with Saint-Etienne, but the wider objective is clear: to challenge for promotion. Benhattab has now been brought in as part of that effort, with the club placing its trust in his speed, invention and quality on the ball.