Chidozie Awaziem’s stay at Nantes looks set to end after only a single season, with reports indicating the defender has told the club he wants to leave this summer.

Awaziem arrived at Nantes last year from Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids, with hopes he would settle quickly into the backline. Instead, his first season was disrupted by instability at the club, with Nantes going through three different managers and as many tactical setups, making it difficult for him to find any consistent rhythm. He still made 26 appearances across the campaign, contributing one goal and two assists.

The bigger blow came at the end of the season, when Nantes finished 17th and were relegated to Ligue 2. According to reporting from Nantes Inside, Awaziem now faces a significant pay cut as the club restructures its finances for life in the second tier, and that prospect is understood to be the main driver behind his push to leave.

Where he goes next remains unclear. Awaziem has moved between several countries over his career, and it isn’t yet known whether he will look to return to Portugal, where he spent the bulk of his professional years, or head back across the Atlantic to MLS.

With a modest market value that makes him an accessible option for potential suitors, and a physical, versatile profile as a defender comfortable on the ball, Awaziem’s next move is one of several storylines to watch involving Super Eagles players this transfer window.