Mostafa Mohamed is yet to return to training with FC Nantes, raising questions about his future at the club, according to reports in France. The Egyptian forward was not involved in Nantes’ 5-0 friendly victory over Fleury on Saturday as the team began preparations for the upcoming Ligue 2 season.
Manager Michel Der Zakarian expressed frustration with Mohamed’s absence, stating that the decision to not return was made by the player himself. Der Zakarian commented, “Today, we see a lot of things in football that are inconsistent. It’s him who decided to do this. We’ll see when he comes back.”
Mohamed, who did not participate in the recent World Cup with Egypt, has been expected back at Nantes for almost three weeks. L’Équipe reports that the 25-year-old has already been financially sanctioned by the club for his continued absence, suggesting a strained relationship between player and club.
Mohamed joined Nantes in the summer of 2022 from Zamalek and has been a key player for the Canaries, scoring 10 goals in 28 Ligue 1 appearances last season. However, Nantes were relegated at the end of the season, finishing 17th and triggering a relegation/promotion playoff which they lost to Toulouse. With one year remaining on his contract, a departure from the club now appears increasingly likely, despite the need for attacking reinforcements as Nantes attempt to secure promotion back to Ligue 1. The situation leaves Nantes searching for attacking options as they prepare for a challenging season in the second tier.
Der Zakarian’s appointment as manager signals a new era for Nantes, and it appears Mohamed may not be a part of those plans.
