FC Nantes deny agreement to sell club to British-backed investment group | OneFootball

Nantes have firmly denied reports that owner Waldemar Kita has reached an agreement to sell the Ligue 2 club to a group of investors backed by British funds.

According to La Tribune Dimanche, a preliminary agreement for the sale of Nantes was reached around three weeks ago following an external audit. The proposed takeover is reportedly being led by an investment group whose funding originates from the United Kingdom.

However, Kita’s entourage has categorically rejected the report, describing it as a “totally unfounded rumour” that has been circulating for several months. Those close to the Polish businessman believe the claims are intended to destabilise the club ahead of the new Ligue 2 campaign.

The reported agreement would also depend on Nantes generating €70m in player sales during the summer transfer window. The Canaris have already raised a significant sum through the departure of Matthis Abline to AS Monaco, with the deal reportedly worth €25m plus a further €5m in potential bonuses.

Alban Lafont and Chidozie Awaziem have also joined Turkish sides Amed SK and Konyaspor respectively for fees of around €1m each. Further departures could follow, with Johann Lepenant, Herba Guirassy, Louis Leroux and Tylel Tati among the players who may attract interest before the end of the window.

Kita has owned Nantes since 2007, with rumours of a possible sale having followed his tenure for several years. His son, deputy CEO Franck Kita, recently insisted that the family remained committed to the club despite their relegation from Ligue 1 at the end of last season.

Nantes begin their Ligue 2 campaign against Red Star FC on Saturday evening.GFFN | George Boxall