Football careers can take dramatic turns. Just over a year ago, Alban Lafont was the undisputed number one goalkeeper for FC Nantes, a promising talent with a long contract seen as a cornerstone of the team`s future. Fast forward to today, and the picture is starkly different. The 26-year-old finds himself sidelined, seemingly out of the club`s plans, and hasn`t featured in a competitive senior game since December 2024.
This dramatic shift followed a period where former coach Antoine Kombouaré opted to drop Lafont to the reserve squad after what were deemed `unconvincing performances`. Despite being contracted until 2027, a remarkably long deal in today`s football climate, Nantes appears keen to find a resolution, which likely means finding a new club for the player.
Unsurprisingly, a player of Lafont`s past pedigree is still on the radar for various clubs. Reports indicate interest from Ligue 1 rivals Brest and Greek Super League giants Panathinaikos.
Brest`s interest appears particularly concrete. The Brittany club is reportedly exploring a loan move for Lafont. Their potential need for a goalkeeper is directly linked to the widely reported impending departure of their current Dutch international keeper, Marco Bizot, who is rumoured to be heading to the Premier League with Aston Villa. Should Bizot`s move materialise, Brest would have a significant void to fill between the posts, making a proven, albeit recently out-of-form, Ligue 1 keeper like Lafont a logical target, particularly on a temporary basis.
Panathinaikos`s interest suggests Lafont is also being considered outside of France, offering a potential route away from Ligue 1 entirely and a fresh start in a different league structure.
For Nantes, offloading Lafont, perhaps even on loan initially to get his wages off the books and give him gametime, seems like the priority after bringing in other options between the posts in his absence. A player of his value sitting unused represents a financial and sporting paradox the club seems eager to resolve.
What the future holds for Alban Lafont remains to be seen. A move away from Nantes appears increasingly likely. Whether it`s a return to consistent Ligue 1 action with a promising side like Brest or a new challenge abroad with Panathinaikos, the coming transfer window will be crucial in determining the next chapter for the former French youth international.
