Egypt international Mostafa Mohamed failed to report for pre-season training with FC Nantes, leaving the newly-relegated French side unable to account for the striker’s whereabouts.
The 28-year-old was a notable omission as the squad gathered to begin preparations for the upcoming campaign. His absence compounds the uncertainty facing a club undergoing substantial transition following last season’s drop from the top flight.
Managerial Change and Relegation Fallout
Nantes endured a chaotic previous campaign that saw three different managers fail to prevent relegation to France’s second tier. Vahid Halilhodzic oversaw the final matches on an interim basis but could not engineer a survival miracle. The club has since turned to familiar figure Michel Der Zakarian, who embarks on his third spell in charge with a clear mandate to secure an immediate return to Ligue 1.
Der Zakarian faces a significant rebuilding task. The squad that proved insufficient for top-flight football is fragmenting, with several established players expected to depart before the new season begins.
Contract Uncertainty
Mohamed, who joined the French outfit in 2022, enters the final 12 months of his contract. The forward, who missed out on recent World Cup selection with Egypt, has reportedly yet to speak with the new manager. It is understood that Mohamed may not feature prominently in Der Zakarian’s tactical plans for the promotion push.
With his deal set to expire next summer and club officials currently unaware of his location, a permanent transfer this window appears increasingly likely.
Further Departures Expected
Mohamed is not the only player facing an exit. Midfielder Johann Lepenant and attacker Matthis Abline are also linked with moves away from Nantes as the club looks to balance its finances and reshape a squad capable of challenging for promotion.
Der Zakarian must quickly establish which players remain committed to the cause. With pre-season underway and Mohamed’s status unresolved, the risk grows that Nantes could begin their Ligue 2 campaign without a clear resolution regarding several key attacking options.