Struggling at Southampton, 23-year-old winger Kamaldeen Sulemana is once again attracting strong interest from FC Nantes. After a failed attempt in January, the French club seeks to bring back the Ghanaian talent, while Southampton demands €20 million for a permanent deal.
FC Nantes is active this summer transfer window, with their sights on Kamaldeen Sulemana, the 23-year-old Ghanaian winger currently playing for Southampton. Sulemana, who made his breakthrough at Stade Rennais between 2021 and 2023, impressed with his pace and skill but later struggled with recurring injuries, especially back problems. Purchased for about €25 million by Southampton in January 2023, he has yet to meet expectations, and with the club relegated to the Championship after the 2024/2025 season, a sale seems imminent.
Sources indicate that **Southampton favors a direct sale priced around €20 million** and is unwilling to offer a loan deal. This fee remains high for Nantes, who would find it hard to meet without significant player departures. Previously, Nantes explored a loan with obligation to buy but were rejected by Southampton, which prefers to recoup as much of its initial outlay as possible.
Meanwhile, Sulemana is open to returning to Ligue 1 to revive his career and considers Nantes the perfect destination, despite the historic rivalry between Nantes and his former club Rennes. Nantes views Sulemana as a dynamic winger who can add speed and creativity, though his recent performances have been inconsistent due to injuries and lack of game time.
Yet a competing offer complicates the scenario: Italian club Atalanta reportedly reached an agreement with Southampton for a transfer worth €17.5 million plus bonuses. This could become decisive for Southampton as they seek to streamline their squad and maximize return on a player bought for more.
The outcome remains uncertain, balancing Nantes’ interest in bringing back an exciting talent to Ligue 1 and Southampton’s financial priorities to sell at the best price for a player whose high potential remains largely unfulfilled.
