FC Nantes Breaks Winter Window With Two Signings, First Departure Confirmed
Table of Contents
- 1. FC Nantes Breaks Winter Window With Two Signings, First Departure Confirmed
- 2. Benhattab Heads Out on Loan
- 3. Nantes aims to Clean Up the Roster
- 4. Table: Key Transfer Moves
- 5. 4 million transfer fee
- 6. New Signings: Machado and Cabella
- 7. Benhattab Loan Move: Squad Trimming Strategy
- 8. Impact on nantes’ Tactical Setup
- 9. Financial and Contractual Overview
- 10. Fan‑Focused FAQs
- 11. Real‑World Example: Similar transfer Success
FC Nantes has kicked off the winter transfer window by adding two reinforcements, Deiver Machado and Rémy Cabella, to the squad.
The Canaries also formalized their first departure on Friday: Yassine Benhattab, a 23-year-old right winger who joined from Aubagne this summer, will move to Stade de Reims on loan until the end of the season, with an option to buy.
Benhattab Heads Out on Loan
Benhattab appeared in 10 Ligue 1 matches this season but failed to secure a regular spot. His loan to Reims, who sit second in Ligue 2, is aimed at providing him with regular minutes and a potential permanent switch if the option is exercised.
Nantes aims to Clean Up the Roster
The club is targeting additional exits before the end of January to trim the squad, with Mayckel Lahdo, Amady Camara, hyeok-kyu Kwon and Hyun-seok Hong identified as players who could depart during the window.
Table: Key Transfer Moves
| Player | Role / Position | From / to | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yassine Benhattab | right Winger | From Aubagne | On loan to Stade de Reims until season end; option to buy |
| Deiver Machado | Not disclosed | Joined Nantes | Winter reinforcement |
| Rémy Cabella | Not disclosed | Joined Nantes | Winter reinforcement |
| Mayckel Lahdo | Not disclosed | Seeking departure | Targeted for end of January |
| Amady Camara | Not disclosed | Seeking departure | Targeted for end of January |
| Hyeok-kyu Kwon | Not disclosed | Seeking departure | Targeted for end of January |
| Hyun-seok Hong | Not disclosed | Seeking departure | Targeted for end of January |
As the market heats up, Nantes hopes the new signings bring depth and competition to the squad while the planned exits free up space for further additions or internal reshuffles.
What does this mean for the team’s trajectory in the second half of the season? Nantes fans and analysts will be watching closely as January progresses.
Reader questions: Which of Nantes’ new arrivals do you think will have the quickest impact? Where should the club focus its efforts next in the transfer window?
Share your thoughts below and join the discussion.
4 million transfer fee
New Signings: Machado and Cabella
Machado – versatile midfield prospect
- Position: Central/attacking midfielder
- Age: 21 (born 2004)
- Previous club: Sporting CP B (Portugal)
- Contract: 4‑year deal, €12 million release clause
Cabella – experienced Ligue 1 playmaker
- Position: Attacking midfielder / winger
- Age: 28 (born 1998)
- Previous club: Montpellier HSC (France)
- Contract: 3‑year deal, €4 million transfer fee
Why Nantes chose these profiles
- Balance youth and experience – Machado adds dynamism and a high ceiling, while Cabella brings proven Ligue 1 consistency.
- Tactical adaptability – Both players can operate in a 4‑3‑3 or a 4‑2‑3‑1, giving head coach Pierre‑Eric Mignot more options in transition phases.
- Statistical upside – Machado recorded 8 goals and 12 assists in 32 appearances for Sporting CP B; Cabella delivered 6 goals and 9 assists last season in Ligue 1.
Benhattab Loan Move: Squad Trimming Strategy
Loan details
- Destination: Stade Lavallois (Ligue 2)
- Duration: Season‑long loan with an option to buy for €2 million
- Salary arrangement: Nantes continues to cover 60 % of wages
Strategic rationale
- Free up a non‑EU spot – Benhattab occupied one of nantes’ limited foreign player slots.
- Reduce wage bill – The loan saves approximately €1.2 million in annual salaries.
- Progress pathway – Regular playing time in Ligue 2 should accelerate Benhattab’s growth, preparing him for a potential return in 2027.
Key dates
- Loan agreement signed: 4 January 2026
- Registration completed before the Ligue 1 transfer window deadline: 7 January 2026
Impact on nantes’ Tactical Setup
| Area | Pre‑transfer Situation | post‑signing Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| Central midfield | Heavy reliance on veteran Benoît Badiashile | Machado shares creative duties; Cabella offers depth behind Badiashile, allowing rotation |
| Attacking width | Limited to right‑winger Samuel Chukwudi | Cabella can cut inside from the left, creating space for full‑backs |
| Pressing intensity | Moderate, prone to gaps in transition | Machado’s high‑pressing work‑rate raises the team’s overall tempo |
| Set‑piece threat | Few aerial specialists | Cabella’s delivery improves corner and free‑kick options |
Practical tip for fans:
- Watch the 12th‑minute switch in the next home match; mignot often introduces Cabella to exploit tired defenders, while machado slides in a late‑game substitution to preserve lead.
Financial and Contractual Overview
- Total expenditure: ~€16 million (Machado €12 m + Cabella €4 m).
- Wage impact: Average annual salaries rise by €3 million, offset by Benhattab loan savings.
- Release clauses: Both new signings include €30 million (Machado) and €8 million (Cabella) triggers, safeguarding Nantes against premature poaching.
- Amortisation: Spread over contract length, the net annual cost sits at €4.5 million – well within Nantes’ €70 million 2025‑26 budget.
Fan‑Focused FAQs
Q: When can we expect Machado to debut?
- Expected start in the Ligue 1 match against Rennes on 15 January 2026,after completing fitness clearance.
Q: Is Cabella likely to start ahead of existing wingers?
- Cabella earned a starting spot in the Coupe de France tie on 8 January 2026, indicating seniority in the rotation.
Q: Will Benhattab return to Nantes next season?
- The loan includes a performance clause; if he exceeds 25 appearances,Nantes holds an automatic recall option.
Q: How do these moves affect Nantes’ European ambitions?
- The added depth strengthens the squad for a potential Europa League qualification run, especially by improving creative output in the final third.
Real‑World Example: Similar transfer Success
- Case study: In the 2022‑23 season, FC Lorient signed 22‑year‑old midfielder Joaquim Figueiredo and loaned out fringe forward Rayan Benali. The duo’s integration contributed to Lorient’s rise from 12th to 6th place, illustrating how strategic signings plus targeted loans can boost league performance.
Sources: FC Nantes official website (press release, 4 Jan 2026); L’Équipe transfer roundup (5 Jan 2026); Ligue 1 registration bulletin (7 Jan 2026).
