Mostafa Mohamed returns to Nantes training following absence

Egyptian striker Mostafa Mohamed has finally rejoined his French club Nantes to begin preparations for the new season. The 28-year-old was expected to report for duty on June 24, but his failure to arrive on time left the club management baffled as to his whereabouts.

After returning to the training centre earlier this week, Mohamed participated in an individual session on Wednesday. The first team is currently away in La Baule for a training camp, and the club has issued a firm disciplinary stance: the Egyptian forward is to train with the reserve team until further notice.

The tension stems from Mohamed’s clear desire to leave the club this summer, a situation exacerbated by a salary reduction following Nantes' relegation to the second division. Throughout his absence, the club sent daily notices to the player, warning that his salary would be withheld until he appeared at the training ground.

Manager Michel Der Zakarian has expressed his frustration with the situation, stating he had never encountered such behavior from a player before. The coach emphasized that the player's refusal to train is his own issue to resolve, rather than the club's.

Nantes does not rely on Mohamed to lead their promotion push back to Ligue 1, yet they remain reluctant to let him leave for free. Having signed him from Galatasaray for 6.5 million euros in 2023, the club is now managing a player who has only one year left on his contract and limited market interest.