The uncertainty surrounding Egyptian international Mostafa Mohamed at French side FC Nantes has deepened after head coach Michel Der Zakarian publicly criticised the striker for failing to report for the club’s pre-season preparations.
Speaking after Nantes’ opening pre-season friendly, Der Zakarian expressed frustration over Mohamed’s continued absence, with the forward having not joined the squad since preparations for the new campaign began on 24 June.
The comments come at a time when questions continue to surround the player’s future following Nantes’ relegation to France’s second division and ongoing uncertainty over whether he will remain at the club during the summer transfer window.
Comfortable victory overshadowed by questions over Mohamed
Nantes enjoyed an emphatic start to their pre-season schedule by defeating FC Fleury 5-0 in a friendly match played on Saturday, 11 July 2026.
Despite the convincing victory, post-match discussion centred less on the result and more on the absence of Mostafa Mohamed, who was once again unavailable for selection after missing the team’s pre-season training sessions.
When asked about the Egyptian striker, Der Zakarian made no attempt to hide his disappointment.
“Mostafa? I’ve never seen anything like this before,”
the Nantes manager told Ouest-France, highlighting his frustration with the player’s continued absence.
The coach went on to add:
“في الوقت الحالي نرى الكثير من الأمور غير المنطقية في كرة القدم، هو من اختار القيام بذلك، وسنرى ماذا سيحدث عندما يعود”.
Contract situation adds to uncertainty
Mohamed’s absence comes against the backdrop of a difficult period for Nantes following the club’s relegation from the top flight.
According to the terms of his contract, the club’s drop into the second division has resulted in a reduction to the striker’s salary. The situation has reportedly strengthened the player’s determination regarding his position, while also contributing to growing uncertainty over his long-term future with the French club.
With speculation continuing over whether Mohamed will stay or seek a move elsewhere, there has been no indication that the current impasse has been resolved.
Another friendly likely to pass without the Egyptian forward
The Egyptian international is also expected to miss Nantes’ second pre-season friendly, which is scheduled to take place against Lorient next Saturday in Vannes.
His anticipated absence is likely to prolong questions over his future as the club continues preparations for the new season without one of its recognised forwards.
While Nantes continue their summer programme on the pitch, attention is expected to remain focused on developments away from it, particularly regarding Mohamed’s next move.
Club awaits next step
For now, the disagreement between Mostafa Mohamed and Nantes remains unresolved.
The French club is awaiting either the player’s return to the squad or a further development concerning his future before the summer transfer window closes.
Until then, the uncertainty surrounding the Egyptian striker is set to continue, with Der Zakarian’s public criticism adding another layer to an already tense situation between the player and his club.
