FC Nantes stands on the brink of a new chapter as a principle agreement is signed between the Kita family and an investor consortium led by entrepreneur‑coach Paulo Tavares.
After 19 years under the Kita era, the club may soon change hands, reports David Phelippeau of Ouest France and RMC Sport. A principle deal between owner Waldemar Kita and buyers headed by Paulo Tavares of Phenix Sports Invest values the takeover at €100 million plus a €25 million variable component.
The sum raised eyebrows, the journalist noted. Tavares claims to have already raised over €300 million, backed by French, Luxembourgish and Portuguese investors—not funds, but individuals. The reality feels off; Nantes is a battered Ligue 2 side with an aging stadium and outdated training ground. Some expected a more modest price tag of €20‑40 million given its woes. For my money, the lofty figure seems disconnected from the club’s condition.
Champagne and Halilhodžić have been approached—will they accept roles in the new era?
Former agent Paulo Tavares has chased club takeovers before—Valenciennes in 2019 and Saint‑Étienne in 2023—both fell through. He also teamed up with a Chechen businessman to target Neuchâtel. “A quick web search on Paulo Tavares reveals doubts and skepticism,” Phelippeau added. “Supporters naturally question the project.”
Ever eager to own a club, the businessman knows FC Nantes’ history and wants to restore its prestige after last season’s drop to Ligue 2. “He’s convincing in his pitch,” the journalist says. Names like Jérôme Champagne for president and Vahid Halilhodžić for manager have surfaced, though the latter declined.
Before any organisational chart is drawn, the sale must clear a review by the club’s works council and the DNCG, French football’s financial watchdog.