Aston Villa and Liverpool are about to miss out on Nathan Zeze after Saudi side, Neom SC swooped in and found an agreement with Nantes FC.
According to The Sun, Nantes FC have decided to sell promising defensive talent Nathan Zeze to the ambitious Saudi Arabian side Neom SC. The move will come as a blow for Premier League sides Aston Villa and Liverpool, who had eyes for the 20-year-old Ligue 1 defensive sensation.
Nathan Zeze has not been the premier starter for Nantes FC at the back over the two seasons he’s spent with the senior squad, but he was steadily getting there. The centre-back has already been compared to compatriot William Saliba for the level of talent he has, but unfortunately for some of his continental suitors, the defender is set for a move to Saudi Arabia.
Ambitious Saudi club Neom SC have swooped in for the defender, with L’Equipe confirming that a €20 million deal is in place for his transfer. The 20-year-old Ligue 1 defensive sensation is set to undergo medical tests, as the Saudi Pro League side continued their serious business of bringing promising and experienced players from Europe.
They have already headlined the summer window after the captures of Said Benrahma and Alexandre Lacazette (both from Lyon) and former PSG stopper Marcin Bulka from OGC Nice. They will now add another from Ligue 1 in Zeze, which will indicate their serious intentions ahead of the new season in the Saudi Pro League.
Meanwhile, the deal for Zeze to Neom SC will come as a bitter blow to some of the Premier League sides. Liverpool were interested earlier, while Aston Villa were also keen to add him to their defensive depth. Both the top-flight sides wanted to bring in players to add to their defensive depth, but it appears they may have to pivot to other targets.
Aston Villa and Liverpool need defenders
Liverpool are already linked with Marc Guehi as a key target to shore up their backline, with Crystal Palace open to offers for their skipper. However, Arne Slot lacks the defensive depth that some of his rivals have at their disposal, which is why they were interested in the 20-year-old Ligue 1 defensive sensation Zeze.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa thought of Nathan Zeze as a viable replacement for Axel Disasi. The Premier League side have Jaydee Canvot on their list from fellow Ligue 1 side Toulouse, and it might be a deal they could pursue after losing out on Zeze.
