Alban Lafont is set to leave Nantes for Amedspor, a newly promoted Turkish Super Lig side, in a deal worth around €1 million, according to L’Équipe. The 27-year-old goalkeeper recently returned to Nantes following international duty with the Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where he served as understudy to Yahia Fofana.
The move comes as Nantes prepare for life in Ligue 2 after their relegation this summer. Lafont’s contract at the club was due to expire in one year, and manager Michel Der Zakarian has indicated his preference for Maxime Dupé, signed from Nice, as his first-choice goalkeeper. Dupé’s arrival effectively made Lafont surplus to requirements at the Stade de la Beaujoire.
Lafont initially joined Nantes in 2018 from Fiorentina, becoming a key figure for the club over six seasons. He made over 200 appearances for Nantes, experiencing both Ligue 1 stability and, ultimately, relegation. He spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Panathinaikos, featuring regularly for the Greek side before returning to France.
Amedspor’s promotion to the Turkish top flight marks a historic moment for the club, representing a significant step forward for football in the Kurdish region of Turkey. The acquisition of Lafont, a player with experience in a major European league, signals Amedspor’s ambition to establish themselves as a competitive force in the Super Lig. The transfer provides Lafont with a new challenge and regular playing time, while allowing Nantes to recoup a fee for a player with limited remaining contract length. This move allows Der Zakarian to fully implement his plans with Dupé in goal as Nantes aim for a swift return to Ligue 1.
