Back in early March, we covered numerous claims from France that Brighton were on the verge of signing Nantes’ young centre-back Batista Mendy.
France Football, Foot Mercato and Ouest-France all reported the story, with the latter of the three even claiming the now 18-year-old had travelled to visit the club, which is when the offer was made.
Everything pointed towards the Seagulls actually getting the deal done, but that hasn’t happened yet, and Ouest-France reveal why.
Over the weekend, the local outlet claimed that Nantes’ president, Waldemar Kita, met with Mendy’s family, hoping to convince them that staying with his current club would be more beneficial, which would mean him signing his first professional contract.
The Ligue 1 side haven’t given up hope yet, and Ouest-France claim that Nantes’ and Brighton’s offers are very similar financially, meaning it’s now all about who offers him the better project.
Mendy is said to be unconvinced that Nantes will allow him to move through the ranks to the first-team, which is the reason why he turned down his club’s first two offers.
This could drag on, but, as things stand, Brighton still have the advantage.
