Blackburn set to sign Nantes’ talent Exaucé Mafoumbi on a three-year deal

After having been raised through FC Nantes’ academy in the past few years, Exaucé Mafoumbi (19) is set to sign his first professional contract elsewhere, as L’Equipe reports that the young Canaris is set to join Blackburn Rovers.

Nantes’ academy has been loyal to its reputation in the last few years, with only Stade Rennais having started more players from their academy (86) than Nantes (78) in the 21st century. While the first team has been struggling on the pitch for several years, the U19 shined last season in the UEFA Youth League. The young Canaris eliminated the likes of Sevilla FC, Copenhagen, and RB Salzburg on their way to the semifinals before missing out on a spot in the final against Olympiacos after a cruel penalty shootout. Whether it is on the continental stage or in the U19 National Championship, Mafoumbi had an outstanding season and is set to leave his formative club for an ambitious experience abroad.

Last season, Mafoumbi logged 11 goals in 16 games for the national championship, keeping his momentum from the previous season, in which he had a sensational record of 18 goals in 19 appearances. Not only on the national stage, the French centre forward was also decisive in the UEFA Youth League last season, with three goals and one assist in eight games.

GFFN l Grégoire Devaux