Nantes weigh up late-window moves for Mauritania’s Bahmed Deuff and Mali’s Fode Doucoure

FC Nantes are working on two deals involving African players as the transfer window reaches its closing stages, with Mauritanian midfielder Bahmed Deuff set to move to Belgium and Mali full-back Fode Doucoure reportedly close to arriving from Le Havre AC.

According to L’Equipe, Deuff, a 20-year-old midfielder, is expected to join Royal Antwerp on loan. The proposed agreement would include an option for the Belgian club to buy him permanently for an estimated €2m.

The move would give Deuff the opportunity to continue his development away from FC Nantes, while Royal Antwerp would have the possibility of securing his services on a permanent basis if the loan spell proves successful. The terms reported by L’Equipe indicate that the Belgian club would not be committed to completing the transfer immediately, with the purchase option instead set at around €2m.

At the same time, Nantes are understood to be nearing an agreement to sign Fode Doucoure from Le Havre AC. The 25-year-old Mali international plays as a right-back and would join the French club in a permanent transfer.

The two negotiations therefore involve different types of deals. Deuff’s proposed departure is a loan with a purchase option, while Doucoure’s move would see Nantes sign the defender outright. Both operations are being prepared during the final phase of the transfer window.

Doucoure’s arrival would bring a permanent addition to the Nantes squad, with the Mali defender moving from Le Havre AC. Deuff, meanwhile, would leave Nantes temporarily for Royal Antwerp, with his future to be assessed later depending on whether the Belgian club chooses to activate the €2m option.

The developments form part of Africafoot’s live coverage of news concerning African footballers, including transfer rumours, completed deals, records and other events connected with players from the continent.

The reported activity highlights Nantes’ focus on concluding business before the transfer window closes. The club are involved in both a possible outgoing deal and a potential incoming transfer, with Deuff’s move to Royal Antwerp and Doucoure’s expected switch from Le Havre AC providing the main points of interest.

Neither operation is described as completed in the report. Deuff is expected to join Royal Antwerp on the proposed loan arrangement, while Nantes are said to be close to finalising Doucoure’s permanent transfer. The estimated €2m purchase option attached to Deuff’s loan is the only fee given in connection with either deal.