FC Nantes are set to complete the loan signing of Benfica’s Brazilian defender João Victor (24), according to a report from Ouest-France.
Les Canaris are looking for defensive reinforcements with stalwart Nicolas Pallois (35) set for a spell on the sidelines following a knee injury. Brazilian Andrei Girotto (30) and Cameroon international Jean-Charles Castelletto (27) are the only senior centre-backs available for Antoine Kombouaré’s side.
Victor joined Benfica from Corinthians last summer for a five-year deal and a €10m signing fee. The 24-year-old was injured at the start of the season and fell down the pecking order as Benfica coach Roger Schmidt relied mostly on Nicolas Otamendi (34) and Antonio Silva (19) for the partnership at the heart of his defence. Victor only played cup games with the Lisbon outfit.
The Brazilian defender is expected to land in Nantes this Tuesday evening and will join Ligue 1’s thirteenth-placed outfit for a six-month loan with no option to buy. Nantes have been busy this winter transfer window. Les Canaris have signed midfielder Florent Mollet (31), and promising left-back Jaouen Hadjam (19) and are pursuing a deal for out-of-favour Nice striker Andy Delort (31).
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
