Molina’s criticism deals another blow to FC Nantes takeover hopes
In a quiet office at the Stade de la Beaujoire, veteran journalist Romain Molina warned that the proposed purchase of FC Nantes by Paulo Tavares was a “vast joke”, citing numerous inaccuracies in the presented dossier. His comments have reignited doubts about a deal that has already seen several twists.
Molina is not the only voice raising alarms. Earlier this month he described the takeover plan as riddled with approximations and errors, branding the document a “vast blague” that undermines its credibility.
Investor interest and official statements
Waldemar Kita confirmed that the club has received several proposals and that French and Portuguese investors have placed Paulo Tavares at the centre of a renewed purchase project. The owner suggested the discussions had reached a significant step in recent days, hinting at a possible turning point.
L’Équipe reported that negotiations had entered a concrete phase, suggesting that a letter of intent had already been exchanged. Yet the latest journalist statements have seriously cooled that perspective, casting doubt on the alleged progress.
Romain Molina dismisses Paulo Tavares' €100 million Nantes takeover plan
New journalistic blows
Thibaud Vézirian followed Molina’s lead, claiming the dossier has not moved since mid‑September. “It smells like organised leaks by the Kita family. Buyers who obtained the LOI say ‘nothing has advanced’ since mid‑September and today’s documents sometimes date back more than a year,” he wrote.
Vézirian also questioned the involvement of personalities linked to the project. He noted that Marcelo’s name had floated as a potential international ambassador for a future FC Nantes, but added that “Marcelo ambassador world? Yes, even if not unanimous among the buyers’ corum. Others such as Cyril Linette, Géraldine Pons, etc. are not part of the corum.”
Une circulating document, allegedly shared via WhatsApp, was dismissed as unrelated to the real offer that secured the LOI. The same period has seen divergent financial estimates: Télénantes mentioned a proposal of between 30 and 40 million euros, Waldemar Kita has spoken of a target around 95 million euros, while L’Équipe hinted the operation could approach 100 million euros.
Until a definitive agreement is announced, FC Nantes remains the property of the Kita family. After this fresh wave of scepticism, supporters will have to wait longer to see whether the Kita era truly comes to an end.