There's a changing of the guard in goal at relegated FC Nantes, as veteran Maxime Dupé is set to replace another experienced shot-stopper. According to reports from Télénantes, confirmed by L'Équipe and Foot Mercato, the OGC Nice goalkeeper is poised to return to his boyhood club on a three-year deal and immediately assume the No.1 role.

Last summer, Nantes brought in Anthony Lopes after his long stint at Olympique Lyonnais. The Portuguese keeper signed a one-year contract and delivered some solid performances, but even his experience couldn't prevent Les Canaris from tumbling into Ligue 2. With his deal now expiring and no extension expected, the club is turning to a familiar face.

Enter Maxime Dupé, 33, who will become a free agent when his Nice contract ends this season. The veteran briefly challenged for the starting spot at Nice but ultimately settled back into his role as backup behind Yehvann Diouf. Now, he's on the verge of a homecoming that promises a fresh start and a clear path to regular minutes.

For Nantes fans, this move carries a touch of nostalgia: Dupé came through the club's youth academy and knows the culture inside out. It's a smart, low-risk signing for a team rebuilding after relegation—a reliable pair of hands between the sticks, with the leadership and Ligue 2 experience to help steady the ship.