Mostafa Mohamed has returned to training with FC Nantes, albeit with the club’s reserve team, after a period of absence following the start of pre-season on June 24th, according to reports from Ouest-France.
The 28-year-old forward was notably absent from the first team’s training camp on the Ligérien coast, instead completing individual sessions at the Jonelière training centre. Nantes have indicated he will continue to train with the reserves until further notice.
New Nantes manager Michel Der Zakarian expressed his frustration with the situation in a press conference on Thursday, stating, “If he doesn’t want to come and train, he stays at home.” Der Zakarian described the case as “unprecedented” and indicated he is awaiting Mohamed’s return to the group.
Mohamed endured a difficult 2022-23 season with Nantes, scoring only four goals as the club suffered relegation to Ligue 2 – their first season in the second tier since 2012-2013. This relegation has triggered a significant reduction in his salary, which is reportedly the primary reason for his reluctance to participate in Ligue 2 football. Nantes are seeking to recoup a portion of the €6.5 million they paid Galatasaray for his services in 2023.
Despite the lack of concrete offers for the Egyptian international, who has 61 caps and 14 goals for his country, Nantes are hoping to find a buyer. The club are keen to offset their initial investment in the player, but finding a suitable destination is proving challenging. Mohamed’s situation leaves his future at Nantes, and potentially elsewhere, uncertain as the new season approaches.
The return to training with the reserves suggests Nantes are prepared to take a firm stance, but also remain open to a transfer if a suitable offer emerges. This situation could evolve quickly depending on Mohamed’s willingness to accept his reduced role, or a club making a move for his signature.
