The Super Eagles defender is one of only a few Nigerian stars to feature in the French top flight last term
Nigeria international Chidozie Awaziem has informed FC Nantes that he wants to leave the French club this summer after refusing to accept the salary reduction that comes with their relegation to Ligue 2, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 29-year-old centre-back only joined Nantes on a permanent deal before the 2025/26 season, signing a three-year contract that runs until June 2028. However, the club's disappointing campaign has completely changed the situation for both player and team.
Nantes finished 17th in Ligue 1, ending their 13-year stay in France's top division. Relegation has left the club facing major financial challenges, with a sharp drop expected in television income, sponsorship value and matchday revenue. As a result, club officials have begun cutting costs, with reducing players' wages becoming their biggest priority.
Awaziem is believed to be among the top earners at Nantes, reportedly earning around €27,885 per week, which adds up to almost €1.4 million every year. Under the standard relegation clauses commonly included in French football contracts, players are expected to take significant wage cuts when their clubs drop into the second division.
The Nigeria international has made it clear that he does not want to continue in Ligue 2 under those financial terms. Instead, he has informed the club that he would rather secure a move to another team where he can continue playing top-flight football while maintaining a salary closer to his current earnings.
Interestingly, Nantes are not standing in his way. Club officials reportedly agree that allowing Awaziem to leave is the best solution. Keeping one of the club's highest-paid players while operating on a Ligue 2 budget would put extra pressure on their finances, making a transfer beneficial for both parties.
During the campaign, Awaziem consistently delivered reliable performances despite the club's struggles. He made 27 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing two assists, while regularly featuring in the heart of the defence.
Super Eagles star Awaziem searches for top-flight football
Awaziem's departure could become even more attractive for interested clubs because reports suggest his contract contains a relegation clause that allows him to leave on a free transfer following Nantes' drop to Ligue 2.
That means any club hoping to sign the former FC Porto defender would not have to pay a transfer fee, making him an appealing option for teams looking to strengthen their defence with an experienced international.
Although no club has officially submitted a bid, Awaziem's representatives at Libera Sports are already working to find him a new destination before the transfer window closes.
One possibility is a return to Major League Soccer with former club FC Cincinnati, where Awaziem previously impressed. However, a move is unlikely because his current salary expectations are considered too high under MLS roster and salary budget rules.
At the moment, remaining in one of Europe's top leagues appears to be Awaziem's priority. Clubs in Ligue 1 are expected to monitor his situation closely because he already has valuable experience in French football and proved last season that he can compete at the highest level despite Nantes' difficult campaign.
Other realistic destinations include the Turkish Süper Lig and Liga Portugal, two competitions where the Super Eagles defender has previously enjoyed successful spells. Awaziem featured for Çaykur Rizespor in Turkey and Boavista in Portugal, making both leagues familiar environments should suitable offers arrive.
His agents are also expected to use the financial advantage of a free transfer to negotiate a stronger personal contract. Since buying clubs would not need to pay Nantes a transfer fee, those savings could instead be used to meet Awaziem's wage demands.
With the new season fast approaching, the experienced defender is now focused on securing a move that will allow him to continue playing at the highest level in Europe while protecting his place in the Super Eagles squad ahead of Nigeria's upcoming international fixtures.
