Othmane Maamma is being linked with a return to French football, with FC Nantes reportedly exploring a move for the Watford right winger.
The 20-year-old, who holds both Moroccan and French nationality, is currently valued at €1.30m, a figure that could tempt Nantes as they look for relatively low-cost attacking options from the Championship. According to data compiled on 2 February 2026, the level of probability surrounding the deal remains unclear, with no formal likelihood attached to the rumour.
Maamma, a naturally attacking right winger who is comfortable on both feet, only joined Watford from Montpellier in July 2025, but his swift rise in market value since arriving in England has drawn attention back across the Channel. His valuation climbed from €600,000 at Montpellier in June 2025 to €1.30m at Watford by October the same year, suggesting his adaptation to senior football has been rapid.
Nantes’ interest comes against the backdrop of an uncertain contract picture at Vicarage Road, with no expiry date listed for Maamma’s current deal. That ambiguity has fuelled speculation he could become available on favourable terms, or even move closer to free-agent status if Watford fail to secure his long‑term future.
Before his switch to England, Maamma came through the Montpellier system, progressing from the formation set-up and U17s through to the U19s, the B team, and eventually the first team in Ligue 1. He previously began his youth career with Athlétic Club Arlésien in France, underlining his deep roots in the country Nantes call home.
Born in Alès on 6 October 2005 and standing at 1.82m, Maamma’s profile fits the modern wide forward: technically capable, versatile and with experience in both French and English football. Should a move to Nantes materialise, it could mark the next step in a career that is still taking shape, but already promising enough to attract interest on both sides of the Channel.
