David Beckham Linked to Potential FC Nantes Purchase Amid Club’s Struggles
Former England international and Manchester United midfielder David Beckham is reportedly exploring an opportunity to buy Ligue 2 outfit FC Nantes, as outlined in a report by Ouest-France. The eight-time champions of France are currently facing a crisis, sitting at the bottom of Ligue 2 after suffering defeats in their first three league games, following their relegation from Ligue 1.
Nantes’ rough start to the season has already led to the dismissal of head coach Michel Der Zakarian after just a few matches.
Waldemar Kita, the 73-year-old Polish businessman who owns FC Nantes, is reportedly contemplating the sale of the club he acquired in 2007. Under his leadership, Nantes has faced relegation to the second tier twice, in 2009 and 2026. Both he and his son, club CEO Franck Kita, have garnered significant unpopularity among the club’s supporters, with 24 different head coaches having passed through Nantes during their 19 years in charge.
According to Ouest-France, FC Nantes has received at least three offers for the club, including two from British-based investment funds. Beckham’s name has surfaced frequently in high-level discussions related to these bids, although specific details regarding his potential involvement in a takeover remain uncertain.
Earlier efforts saw Beckham’s lawyer engage with Le Collective Nantais, a group formed to unite local businesses and FC Nantes fans aiming to buy the club from its current owners, two years ago.
Former England international and Manchester United midfielder David Beckham is rumoured to be involved in a bid to purchase Ligue 2 side FC Nantes, according to Ouest-France. The 8-time French champions are in sporting disarray and currently bottom of Ligue 2 after losing their first three league games on the back of their relegation from Ligue 1. Nantes’ dreadful start to the new campaign already cost Michel Der Zakarian his position in the dugout.
FC Nantes owner – 73-year-old Polish businessman Waldemar Kita – is reportedly considering selling the club he purchased back in 2007. Under Kita’s stewardship, Nantes dropped to the second-tier twice, in 2009 and in 2026. Kita and his son – club CEO Franck – are hugely unpopular figures within Nantes’ fanbase. In 19 years at the helm, 24 head coaches have gone through Nantes’ revolving door.
Advertisement
Ouest-France reports that Les Canaris have received, at least, three bids to purchase the club. Two of them are tied to British-based funds. The outlet understands that David Beckham’s name has come up numerous times in high-level discussions, although it remains unclear in what capacity the Inter Miami CF owner could be involved in a bid to take over Nantes.
Beckham’s lawyer already met with Le Collective Nantais – an initiative that aimed to bring together local businesses and FC Nantes enthusiasts to purchase the club from its owners – two years ago.
[/gpt3]
