In the latest transfer news, FC Nantes has officially announced the signing of defensive midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin. The Ivorian international joins the French club on a free transfer as of August 27, 2024, for the 2024-2025 season.

At 28 years old, Gbamin arrives at FC Nantes with a blend of determination and enthusiasm. "I am very proud to join this great French club," he stated upon his arrival. "I am grateful for the chance to play in Ligue 1, alongside people I have worked with before, including the coach, his staff, and some of the players."

For Nantes, this recruitment is a significant boost. Gbamin brings not only his international experience, with 24 caps in youth categories for France and 17 caps with the Ivory Coast national team but also his ability to stabilize the midfield with his physicality and game intelligence.

Born on September 25, 1995, in San-Pédro, Côte d'Ivoire, Jean-Philippe Gbamin began his football training in France at Saint-Quentin Blessy and Aire-sur-la-Lys before joining RC Lens in 2013. He made his professional debut there, playing 99 matches over three seasons, and built a solid reputation with his imposing physique (1.86 m) and versatility, capable of playing both as a defensive midfielder and a central defender.

In 2016, Gbamin took a major step by moving to the Bundesliga with FSV Mainz. Over three seasons, he established himself as a key player in the midfield, with 95 appearances and notable contributions including 3 goals and 4 assists. His performance in Germany attracted the attention of Everton in the Premier League, who signed him in 2019 to bolster their midfield.

However, his time in England was marred by a series of injuries, limiting him to just 8 appearances with the Toffees. To regain his form, he was loaned out to CSKA Moscow in Russia, where he enjoyed a resurgence with 13 matches, 2 goals, and 2 assists, and later to Trabzonspor in Turkey, contributing in 24 matches during the 2022-2023 season.

Source: AfricaFootUnited