Nantes are wasting no time in preparing for life in Ligue 2, with two key personnel decisions set to shape their squad for the upcoming season. According to reports from Télénantes and confirmed by L'Équipe, the relegated club is closing in on a deal to bring back goalkeeper Maxime Dupé, while defender Frédéric Guilbert is poised to extend his stay after a strong finish to the campaign.
Maxime Dupé, a product of Nantes' famed academy, is on the verge of a return to the Stade de la Beaujoire. The 33-year-old shot-stopper is out of contract at Nice this summer after a season that saw him limited to a backup role, and an agreement in principle has reportedly been reached with his formative club. Dupé came through the ranks at Nantes and made over 120 appearances for the first team between 2011 and 2019 before spells at Clermont, Toulouse, and eventually Nice. His impending homecoming is seen as a statement of intent from the Canaris, who are keen to add experience and reliability between the posts as they navigate the rigors of the second division.
For Nantes, securing Dupé addresses a critical area of concern. Last season, the team cycled through several goalkeepers without finding consistent solidity, and their relegation was partly due to defensive frailties that saw them concede 55 goals in 34 Ligue 1 matches. Dupé's familiarity with the club's culture and his proven track record in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 – he was a key figure for Toulouse in the latter, helping them gain promotion in 2021–22 – make him an ideal fit. Moreover, his leadership qualities could prove invaluable for a squad that will need to quickly adapt to the physicality and intensity of Ligue 2. The prospect of Dupé donning the yellow jersey again has already generated excitement among the fanbase, who view the goalkeeper as a symbol of the club's identity.
Meanwhile, Frédéric Guilbert's situation is equally positive for the club. The 31-year-old defender arrived in January on a short-term deal after terminating his contract with Italian side Lecce, and he immediately made an impact with his combative style and versatility. Capable of playing as a right-back, center-back, or even in midfield, Guilbert provided a stable presence during the final months of the season, featuring prominently as Nantes fought to avoid the drop. Despite their eventual relegation, his performances were a bright spot, and the club's hierarchy has moved quickly to secure his services for the long term.
Guilbert's decision to stay is a significant boost for the team's defensive structure. His ability to read the game and contribute going forward – he notched two assists in his limited appearances – adds a dynamic edge. Having previously played in the Premier League with Aston Villa and in Ligue 1 with Bordeaux and Strasbourg, Guilbert brings top-flight experience that will be crucial in balancing a squad that is likely to see several departures this summer. His commitment also suggests a belief in the project under the current management, which is essential for building team morale after the disappointment of relegation.
The reported moves for Dupé and Guilbert underscore Nantes' strategy to blend youth with seasoned professionals. The club's academy continues to produce talented prospects, but the harsh reality of Ligue 2 demands players who can handle pressure and mentor the next generation. Dupé, at 33, and Guilbert, at 31, fit that mold perfectly. They also represent a departure from the panicked transfer windows of the past, where short-term fixes often failed to deliver. This time, Nantes appear to be targeting individuals with a proven connection to the club or who have already demonstrated their worth on the pitch.
The implications for the wider Ligue 2 landscape are notable. Teams relegated from Ligue 1 often struggle to adapt, but Nantes' proactive approach could make them early favorites for promotion. With clubs like Auxerre and Saint-Étienne recently bouncing back, the path is there for a historic club to reclaim its top-flight status quickly. However, the success of these signings will depend on how well they integrate into a cohesive unit, especially given the expected turnover in the squad.
From a tactical perspective, Dupé's distribution and command of the area should help Nantes build from the back, a style that often proves effective in Ligue 2. Guilbert's versatility allows the coach to switch between formations seamlessly, offering flexibility against the varied opposition in the division. Both players are known for their professionalism and work ethic, traits that will be vital in a long, grueling season where mental resilience is as important as physical ability.
The reactions from inside the club have been muted but optimistic. Sources close to the negotiations suggest that Dupé's emotional ties to Nantes played a significant role in his decision, while Guilbert is said to have been impressed by the support of the fans despite the relegation, which influenced his desire to stay. "It's a project that makes sense for him," an insider told L'Équipe, referring to Guilbert. Such commitment is encouraging for a fanbase that has endured a rollercoaster year.
As Nantes prepare for a summer of rebuilding, the likely additions of Dupé and Guilbert provide a solid foundation. The next steps will involve addressing other key positions and managing the departures of players who may leave following relegation. But for now, the Canaris can take solace in the fact that two experienced campaigners are ready to lead the charge back to Ligue 1. The club's hierarchy is betting that a mix of familiar faces and proven performers can reignite the team's fortunes.
The broader message is clear: relegation is a setback, not a catastrophe. By acting decisively, Nantes are signaling that their stay in the second tier is intended to be brief. With Dupé between the sticks and Guilbert marshalling the defense, the team will hope to blend resilience with ambition. The upcoming season will be a test of character, but the early moves suggest a club that is determined to write a redemption story. Fans will be watching closely as the summer unfolds, but the initial signs are promising.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
