FC Nantes has completed the signing of midfielder Johann Lepenant, 22, from Olympique Lyonnais. Lyon confirmed the transfer, which sees them receive €2.5 million for the French youth player. Lepenant spent the previous season on loan at Nantes and was crucial in their effort to stay in Ligue 1, featuring in 31 matches across all competitions.
A graduate of the SM Caen academy, Lepenant joined Lyon from his longtime club in 2022. During his debut season with Lyon, he appeared promising and seemed set to establish himself in the first team, making 31 Ligue 1 appearances.
However, the 2023/24 season saw him become a less central figure, compounded by a serious injury sustained while playing for the France U21 team. His loan spell at Nantes helped him regain form, and Les Canaris are expected to depend significantly on him in the upcoming seasons, including 2025/26.
