French Ligue One outfit Nantes have completed the signing of Malian international Ibrahima Sissoko from German club VfL Bochum, with the midfielder returning to France just over a year after his departure.
The 28-year-old began his career in the French second division with Brest, before moving to Strasbourg where he spent six years.
He left the Blue and White following the expiration of his contract just over a year ago to join Bochum, where he made 41 appearances and contributed five goals and one assist, although he could not help the club avoid relegation last season.
Nantes agreed to pay a fee of about €2 million plus add-ons to the German club for the midfielder, who has penned a two-and-a-half year contract at the club.
Les Canaris have identified the defensive midfielder as a reliable and experienced option to shore up a backline that has conceded the third-most goals in the league this season. The Mali midfielder can also operate as a center-back, giving the club variety of options in the event of injuries as they continue their battle for survival.
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Transfer fee and contract details
Nantes agreed a total fee of about €2 million including add-ons to sign the experienced midfielder, who has signed a contract that will potentially keep him at the club until 2028.
Sissoko becomes Nantes’ second signing of the winter transfer window, following the arrival of Deiver Machado from league rivals Lens earlier in the window.
How much will Sissoko earn at Nantes
Ibrahima Sissoko previously earned around €13,855 per week at Bochum and around €719,915 annually, but has penned a very lucrative offer at Nantes which is set to double his pay.
The Malian international will now earn about €27,710 per week and €1.44 million annually at the French club and his total earnings over the course of his two-and-a-half year contract will amount to around €3.6 million.
Nantes total investments could exceed €5.6 million plus transfer fees making him one of the most valuable arrivals at the club in recent seasons.
🗣️ @sissoko_ibra27 évoque son arrivée au Club. pic.twitter.com/18YUM3znxF
— FC Nantes (@FCNantes) January 13, 2026
From Western Germany to Western France
Ibrahima Sissoko joined Bochum in 2024 and went on to impress, finishing the 2024–25 season as the player with the most duels won in the German Bundesliga.
He now returns to France after more than a year abroad, hoping to make his mark with Nantes as he looks to help the club in their fight for survival in the French top flight.
