Angers SCO are on the verge of signing goalkeeper Anthony Lopes following the end of his contract with FC Nantes, according to L’Équipe. The Portuguese international has reportedly already completed his medical with the club and is expected to finalize his move imminently.
Lopes, 35, will become the third Ligue 1 club he has represented, having previously played for Olympique Lyonnais – the club where he began his career – and Nantes. He brings a wealth of experience to Angers, having made 427 appearances in the French top flight throughout his career. His arrival is intended to fill the void left by Hervé Koffi, who is expected to return to RC Lens after spending last season on loan with Angers.
Lopes’s time at Nantes saw him become a consistent presence between the posts, although the club endured a challenging season, ultimately finishing just above the relegation zone. Prior to his move to Nantes, he spent over a decade with Lyon, establishing himself as a key player and winning the Coupe de France in 2012. He also earned international recognition with Portugal, being part of their victorious Euro 2016 squad, though he primarily served as a backup to Rui Patrício.
The move to Angers provides Lopes with the opportunity to continue playing regular first-team football in a league he knows well. For Angers, securing a goalkeeper of Lopes’s caliber represents a significant coup as they look to consolidate their position in Ligue 1 after securing their survival for another season. The experienced shot-stopper will be expected to provide stability and leadership to the team's defense.
This transfer signals Angers’ intent to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming campaign, focusing on experience and reliability in a crucial position. With Lopes in goal, the club hopes to build a more solid foundation and avoid another relegation battle.
