FC Nantes have confirmed the signing of right-back Frédéric Guilbert on a six-month contract after he became a free agent following the termination of his deal with US Lecce. The 31-year-old arrives as Nantes sit 16th and look to add experience after a 4-1 home defeat to OGC Nice. Guilbert is the club’s fifth winter addition.
Nantes add defender Frédéric Guilbert on six-month deal after Lecce exit
Nantes have signed right-back Frédéric Guilbert as a free agent, the Ligue 1 club announced Wednesday. Guilbert, 31, was available after his contract was terminated by Serie A side US Lecce, allowing him to join a new club. Nantes moved for the defender on a short-term agreement as the club seeks reinforcements during the winter window.
The deal runs for six months with Ahmed Kantari’s Les Canaris, according to the announcement. Nantes’ move comes days after an emphatic setback at home, with the club described as having “plunged to new depths” following an appalling 4-1 loss to OGC Nice on Sunday. The report noted Nantes are 16th.
Guilbert arrives without having played this season for Lecce, despite making 31 appearances the previous campaign. The former Aston Villa and Strasbourg right-back is expected to provide leadership and experience to a Nantes side that has struggled. Nantes have also added Deiver Machado, Rémy Cabella, Ibrahima Sissoko and Ali Youssif this winter.
Nantes are due to play Lorient away this weekend, with Guilbert now available as the club looks to integrate its new signings into Kantari’s squad. The club did not provide further details beyond confirming the length of Guilbert’s contract and his status as a free-agent addition after leaving Lecce.
