FC Nantes Mercato: Canaris’ L2 bid rebuffed by Dunkerque
In the FC Nantes boardroom, Les Canaris’ executives gathered around a dossier on Thomas Robinet, hoping the 30‑year‑old striker could bring the experience needed to lift the club out of Ligue 2. Their offer, estimated at around €1 million, was promptly rejected by Dunkerque.
The Canaris were relegated to Ligue 2 at the end of the previous season, prompting an urgent need for reinforcement. En quête d’expérience pour redresser la barre en Ligue 2, the club set its sights on seasoned attackers.
Failed pursuit of Thomas Robinet
According to L’Équipe, the Nantes directors put forward a €1 million proposal to secure the services of the USL Dunkerque forward. Le club’s offer was turned down by Dunkerque, which wishes to keep its serial scorer, leaving the Club to continue its search for attacking reinforcements.
Robinet, who arrived at Dunkerque in the summer of 2025 from Almere City, quickly established himself as a key figure in the maritime club’s attack. He finished the previous season with 18 goals across all competitions, a record that attracted the attention of the Canaris.
The striker is under contract with Dunkerque until June 2028, meaning any future move would require a substantial negotiation. At 30 years old, his experience aligns with Nantes’ stated aim of adding seasoned talent to redress their L2 woes.
Nantes’ precarious Ligue 2 campaign
The Canaris find themselves at the bottom of the L2 table after three consecutive defeats in the opening three matchdays. This disastrous start prompted the club to replace Michel Der Zakarian, who had returned for a third spell, after only three games. Mais the management hopes the new coach can halt the slide.
Grégory Poirier took over, signing a two‑year contract after guiding Red Star to fourth place in Ligue 2 last season. His appointment followed the dismissal of Michel Der Zakarian after just three matches. His first test will come on Saturday at 20:00 on the pitch of En Avant Guingamp, marking the fourth round of the competition.
In the meantime, the FC Nantes Mercato remains active as the club scouts alternative options to bolster its forward line before the window closes. The rejection by Dunkerque forces the Canaris to look elsewhere for the striker they deem essential to reverse their fortunes.