Nantes drop Durivaux as Red Star retain their defensive linchpin
FC Nantes Mercato have decided not to sign 25‑year‑old defender Dylan Durivaux, meaning the player will remain with Red Star in Ligue 2 this season, a reversal of the transfer target that coach Gregory Poirier had highlighted after his arrival at the club.
Nantes abandon Durivaux pursuit
The Durivaux dossier had taken a new turn after weeks of speculation. The defender, a product of the ASSE academy between 2013 and 2019, had attracted Nantes' attention in recent days, but the club now appears to have abandoned the pursuit. The side monitored his performances closely after his standout season at Red Star.
Poirier, who recently took over the bench at Nantes, wanted to bring several former Red Star players back, including Durivaux, Balthazar Pierret and Ryad Hachem. With the Durivaux option fading, Nantes may instead focus on another Red Star defender, Bradley Danger. Danger has emerged as a potential replacement for the Canaris' back line.
Red Star lock in Durivaux
According to information relayed by Mohamed TER Paris, the 25‑year‑old will stay at Saint‑Ouen for the campaign. Le contrat runs until June 2027, leaving two years on his deal with the club. The announcement was made via a tweet that cited the player’s desire to continue his development at Saint‑Ouen.
Durivaux Arrivé au Red Star in the summer of 2024 after a spell at Niort and quickly established himself as a key figure. He featured in all 34 league matches last season, earning multiple player‑of‑the‑month awards for his consistency and versatility. His versatility allowed him to play across the back four, earning praise from the coaching staff.
He has already started the first three Ligue 2 fixtures of 2026‑27, including the 1‑0 victory over FC Nantes on 8 August at the Stade de la Beaujoire. The win highlighted his importance to the Red Star side. The early win against Nantes underscored his impact and gave the club a morale boost.
The abandonment of the Durivaux move underscores Nantes’ shifting transfer strategy under Poirier, while Red Star secures a reliable defender for the foreseeable future. The next steps will see Nantes explore alternative defensive options and Red Star build around its retained core. Looking ahead, Nantes will need to identify new defensive targets while Red Star can plan around Durivaux’s continued presence.