Nantes have strengthened their midfield options with the signing of Cameroon international Wilitty Younoussa, who has joined the French club on a free transfer from Rodez.
The 24-year-old has signed a two-year contract running until June 2028, with an option to extend for a further season, as Nantes continue reshaping their squad ahead of the new campaign.
Younoussa arrives with significant experience in Franceβs second tier, having made 141 Ligue 2 appearances across spells with Dijon and Rodez.
He is regarded as a reliable central midfielder, known for his energy, defensive discipline and ability to carry the ball forward from deep positions.
His most recent season at Rodez further underlined his growing influence.
Despite an early injury setback, he went on to make 25 league appearances in the 2025β26 campaign and featured 28 times in all competitions, including the play-offs.
One of his standout moments came in May when he scored the decisive goal in a dramatic 3β2 play-off victory over Red Star on 12 May.
Just days later, he also featured in a tense promotion clash against Saint-Γtienne, which ended 0β0 before being decided 7β6 on penalties.
The move to Nantes represents another step up for the midfielder, who has steadily built his career since leaving AS International academy in YaoundΓ© for Dijon during the 2020 winter transfer window.
He went on to make three Ligue 1 appearances in the 2020β21 season before establishing himself more consistently in Ligue 2.
On the international stage, Younoussa has also begun to make his mark with Cameroon, earning two senior caps after his first call-up in November 2024.
His progress has been closely monitored as he continues to develop into a more complete midfielder.
At Nantes, he is expected to add depth and competition in the middle of the pitch as the club prepares for a new chapter under coach Michel Der Zakarian.
His arrival is seen as part of a broader rebuild aimed at restoring stability and pushing the team higher up the table.
Younoussa becomes one of the early additions of the transfer window for Nantes, with further changes expected.
Goalkeeper Maxime DupΓ©, who is out of contract at Nice, is also reported to be close to a two-year deal with an option for an additional year.
Meanwhile, defender FrΓ©dΓ©ric Guilbert, who joined the club in January, has already extended his contract until 2028, highlighting the clubβs intent to maintain continuity while reinforcing key areas of the squad.
For Younoussa, the move offers a chance to step into a more competitive environment while continuing his development at a club with top-flight ambitions.
