What’s FC Nantes’ Strategy for Ligue 2?

FC Nantes, recently relegated to Ligue 2, is banking on the defensive duo Lucas Perrin - Ali Youssef to anchor its 2026-2027 promotion campaign. The Canaries aim for an immediate return to Ligue 1, with a transfer market focused on youth and reliability after parting ways with Anthony Lopes and Francis Coquelin.

Why Perrin and Youssef Matter

Lucas Perrin, a versatile defender who emerged at OM and played for Strasbourg, returns to Ligue 2 after a stint in Spain. Ali Youssef, who impressed in the second half of the 2025-2026 season, forms a promising central partnership with Perrin. Their synergy could finally shore up a defense that has long been inconsistent.

Michel Der Zakarian Brings Expertise

The appointment of Michel Der Zakarian, who masterminded both of the club’s previous Ligue 2-to-Ligue 1 promotions, strengthens the project. The coach must maximize the duo’s potential while managing a squad still in flux, with further departures expected to balance the books.

Necessary Adjustments

Despite the optimism, FC Nantes may still sell key players to meet financial targets. Tanguy Kouassi, a PSG academy product who moved to Bayern Munich, remains a question mark: lacking pace, his future is uncertain.