Brazilian midfielder Douglas Augusto, aged 28, has officially completed a transfer from French club FC Nantes to Russian side FK Krasnodar. The move sees a key figure depart the Ligue 1 squad after two seasons of notable service.
During his tenure at Nantes, Augusto established himself as a consistently reliable presence in the heart of the midfield. His work rate and defensive contributions made him arguably the most dependable player in a sometimes turbulent period for the club. Over 57 appearances, he demonstrated his value, even contributing four goals from a deeper role – a bonus from a player whose primary function was anchoring the midfield.
Interestingly, Douglas Augusto`s departure comes despite him being under contract with Nantes until 2027. This suggests that the reported transfer fee of €6.5 million was deemed sufficient to allow a player, well-settled and committed long-term, to make a significant switch at this stage of his career. It`s a sum that reflects his proven reliability, though perhaps raises an eyebrow given his age and contract length.
For Nantes, the loss of Augusto adds to a challenging summer in midfield, following the recent exit of Pedro Chirivella. Losing two established anchors within a short timeframe presents a clear technical and tactical void that the coaching staff will need to address as they rebuild the squad`s central structure.
Meanwhile, FK Krasnodar`s acquisition of Douglas Augusto appears to be part of a specific recruitment strategy. The Brazilian is now the third player to join the Russian club from Ligue 1 this summer, following the arrivals of Jubal and Gaëtan Perrin. This targeted approach suggests Krasnodar sees a particular profile or value in players exiting the French top flight, perhaps seeking proven talent that fits their system without the astronomical price tags sometimes associated with other major European leagues.
As Douglas Augusto integrates into his new environment in Russia, the focus shifts to how effectively Krasnodar can leverage his experience and reliability, while Nantes faces the task of filling the significant void left by their consistent midfield anchor.
