Francis Coquelin has joined Stade Lavallois on a permanent transfer from Nantes, the club confirmed on Tuesday. The 35-year-old midfielder will experience Ligue 2 football for the first time in his career, returning to his hometown club after an eighteen-year absence. Coquelin’s contract with Nantes had recently expired, making the move a free transfer.
This transfer represents a symbolic homecoming for Coquelin, who began his footballing journey in Laval before departing for Arsenal in 2008. At the time of his initial departure, Laval had recently lost its professional status, and Coquelin did not make a senior appearance for the club. He now returns as an experienced professional to a team aiming to establish itself in the second tier of French football.
Coquelin enjoyed a lengthy and successful spell with Arsenal, featuring in 160 matches across all competitions between 2008 and 2018. His time in North London was punctuated by three loan spells at Lorient, Freiburg, and Charlton Athletic, providing him with valuable playing experience during his development. Following his departure from Arsenal, the French midfielder continued his career in Spain.
He spent time at Valencia CF and Villarreal, becoming a key player for the latter. In 2021, Coquelin was a part of the Villarreal squad that won the Europa League, defeating Manchester United in the final. He joined Nantes in January 2022, making 33 appearances for the club before his contract expired this summer, despite their subsequent relegation from Ligue 1. The move to Lavallois offers Coquelin the opportunity to play regular football and contribute to a club with strong local ties. This signing bolsters Lavallois’ midfield options as they prepare for the upcoming Ligue 2 season, and provides a recognizable name to the club’s fanbase.
