Only a very wise person could say how this matter will ultimately be resolved. Whilst Waldemar Kita, chairman and owner of FC Nantes since 2007, announced in a statement on Thursday that he was “definitively halting discussions regarding the proposed sale of the club to Phenix Capital”, the latter, for their part, appear as determined as ever to acquire the Breton club.

According to reports in Ouest-France, the firm is reportedly asking Kita to grant it more time to provide the National Directorate for Financial Control (DNCG) with all the necessary guarantees prior to the sale of FC Nantes. At the heart of the problem are the difficulties encountered by Phenix Capital in transferring the sum earmarked for the purchase of the club – over €100m – to a secure account.

Therefore, despite Kita’s recent statements, Phenix Capital remain hopeful that discussions can be reopened and the deal finalised.

FC Nantes manager hails the end of talks as “good news”

Speaking at a press conference two days ahead of the match against AS Saint-Étienne, Nantes manager Grégory Poirier was inevitably asked about the latest developments concerning Les Canaris.

And whilst he insisted he remained “focused on my job and on the sporting side of things”, the French manager nevertheless believes that the end of the talks is a “positive” development for the club. “It always brings a sense of calm when there are fewer changes and you know who you’re working for. It’s actually good news,” he said.