Transfer Tug-of-War as Nantes and Lille Target Othmane Maamma
Transfer Tug-of-War as Nantes and Lille Target Othmane Maamma
Transfer journalist Santi Aouna has reported that there will be a transfer showdown between French side Nantes and LOSC Lille for Watford winger Othmane Maamma.
The 20-year-old had the year of his life in 2025, winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the FIFA U-20 Golden Ball, CAF Youth Player of the Year, as well as making it to the final of the 2025 U-20 African Cup of Nations.
Both Lille and Nantes are looking to expand and bolster their attack, but which team will the Moroccan choose?
🚨EXCL: 🟡🇲🇦 #Ligue1 |
— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) February 2, 2026
❗️Le FC Nantes s'active pour finaliser le recrutement d'Othmane Maamma, l'ailier droit de Watford
W @HanifBerkane https://t.co/bNXfPMficq pic.twitter.com/Ki6UUmyGXA
Which Way Will Maammma Move?
Both Nantes and Lille have had different seasons so far in the French Ligue 1, with Lille fighting for a spot in Europe, whilst Nantes are fighting to avoid relegation.
Nantes have accumulated just 14 points from 20 games, and sit one point above Auxerre, whilst Lille sit fourth in the table on 32 points—but have lost their last four league matches.
The Moroccan has already made his debut in Ligue 1, as he played for Montpellier between 2024-25 before Watford snapped him up.
Since signing for Watford, the young winger has been one of the most talked-about players in the Championship, contributing to four goals in 16 matches.
Whichever way Maamma moves, regular minutes look likely, though the roles would differ: at Nantes, he would arrive as a clear first-choice starter, while at Lille, he would be more likely to feature in rotation rather than playing the full 90 minutes each week.
Watford’s Moroccan magician collects his prize 🇲🇦
— PFA (@PFA) January 30, 2026
A December to remember for Othmane Maamma 🏆 pic.twitter.com/dLMIL5R65i
Harry Pascoe 
