FC Nantes Féminines are entering a new era ahead of the 2026-27 Arkema Première Ligue season. Following their historic qualification for the play-offs, the club has launched an ambitious squad rebuild under new head coach Pierre-Alain Picard, combining experienced leaders, promising young talent and international recruits.
With several arrivals, notable departures and an important contract extension already confirmed, Nantes are making it clear they intend to establish themselves as a permanent force in French women’s football.
Julie Pasquereau Extends Until 2028
One of Nantes’ most important pieces of business this summer is the contract extension of central defender Julie Pasquereau.
The 31-year-old defender has signed a new deal that will keep her at the club until June 2028. Since joining Nantes in 2023, Pasquereau has become a cornerstone of the defence, bringing experience, leadership and consistency to the squad.
A veteran of the Arkema Première Ligue with more than 160 top-flight appearances, Pasquereau’s renewal provides stability during a summer of significant change. For Pierre-Alain Picard, keeping experienced figures such as Pasquereau could prove just as valuable as any new signing.
Margaux Vairon Adds Versatility to the Defence
Nantes’ third signing of the summer is Margaux Vairon, who joins from Dijon and has signed a contract until 2028. The 23-year-old defender enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2025-26, appearing in 20 of Dijon’s 22 league matches and helping the club secure an impressive sixth-place finish.
A former France youth international, Vairon is capable of playing across multiple defensive positions, making her a valuable tactical asset for Picard. The Nantes coach highlighted her intelligence and adaptability, describing her as a player perfectly suited to the team’s future playing style.
At just 23, Vairon also offers significant long-term potential while already possessing valuable experience in the French top division.
Esther Buabadi Becomes Nantes’ First Summer Signing
The first arrival of Nantes’ summer recruitment drive was Esther Buabadi, who joins after two seasons with Feyenoord Rotterdam. The 24-year-old Congolese international forward has signed until 2028 and arrives with experience gained in Belgium, the Netherlands and France.
Having previously represented clubs including Lille, Anderlecht, Zulte Waregem and Club YLA, Buabadi brings an international profile and attacking dynamism to the squad.
Pierre-Alain Picard believes her pace and ability to beat defenders will add a new dimension to Nantes’ attack. Following Mariam Toloba’s departure, Buabadi may be expected to play a significant role in replacing some of the goals and attacking threat lost this summer.
Natalia Radkiewicz Strengthens the Goalkeeping Department
FC Nantes Women have also moved to strengthen their options between the posts with the signing of Polish goalkeeper Natalia Radkiewicz. The 22-year-old arrives from Pogon Szczecin, where she helped her side finish second in the Polish league while boasting one of the competition’s strongest defensive records.
Already involved with Poland’s senior national team setup, Radkiewicz is regarded as one of the country’s most promising young goalkeepers. Standing at 1.78m, she is known for her aerial dominance, composure and distribution. For Nantes, this represents both a signing for the present and an investment in the future.
Mariam Toloba Departs for Paris FC
The biggest outgoing transfer of the summer is undoubtedly Mariam Toloba, who has completed a move to Paris FC. After arriving from Standard Liège in 2025, the Belgian international enjoyed an outstanding debut season in Nantes colours.
Toloba scored seven league goals and provided three assists in the Arkema Première Ligue, while also adding three goals in the Coupe de France. Her performances earned her the league’s Player of the Month award in January and helped drive Nantes towards their historic play-off qualification.
Losing a player of Toloba’s quality is a significant blow, but the transfer also highlights Nantes’ growing reputation as a platform for elite talent.
Maureen Cosson Ends a Memorable Three-Year Chapter
Defender Maureen Cosson leaves Nantes following the expiration of her contract. The 30-year-old played a major role in one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, helping guide Nantes from promotion to survival in the top flight and ultimately to a play-off place.
Across three seasons, she made 72 appearances and became a respected figure both on and off the pitch. Her departure marks the end of an important chapter for the club.
Several Players Leave as Nantes Begin a New Cycle
Alongside Cosson and Toloba, Nantes have confirmed the departures of several players as part of a broader squad restructuring.
The club has said goodbye to:
- Emily Burns
- Roseline Eloissaint
- Louise Fleury
- Julie Rabanne
- Nelly Rodrigues
- Mijke Roelfsema
- Manja Rogan
- Eva Sumo
Meanwhile, Julie Swierot has returned to OL Lyonnes following the completion of her loan spell.
These departures signal the start of a new cycle as Nantes continue building a squad capable of competing consistently in the upper half of the Arkema Première Ligue.
What Do These Transfers Mean for FC Nantes?
The early signs suggest FC Nantes are pursuing a balanced recruitment strategy.
The club has:
- Retained leadership through Julie Pasquereau’s extension.
- Added proven Arkema Première Ligue experience with Margaux Vairon.
- Recruited international talent in Esther Buabadi and Natalia Radkiewicz.
- Created opportunities for academy graduates and younger players.
- Continued investing in players with long-term potential through contracts running until 2028.
While replacing Mariam Toloba’s goals will be a major challenge, Nantes appear focused on building a deeper and more sustainable squad rather than relying on individual stars.
After reaching the play-offs for the first time, expectations will inevitably rise. The coming weeks may bring additional arrivals, but the club’s transfer activity already offers a clear indication of its ambition.
FC Nantes Women Transfers 2026: Ins and Outs
Arrivals
- Esther Buabadi (Feyenoord)
- Natalia Radkiewicz (Pogon Szczecin)
- Margaux Vairon (Dijon FCO)
Contract Extension
- Julie Pasquereau (extended until 2028)
Departures
- Mariam Toloba (Paris FC)
- Maureen Cosson
- Emily Burns
- Roseline Eloissaint
- Louise Fleury
- Julie Rabanne
- Nelly Rodrigues
- Mijke Roelfsema
- Manja Rogan
- Eva Sumo
- Julie Swierot (returned to OL Lyonnes)
Final Thoughts
FC Nantes Women have emerged as one of the most intriguing projects in French women’s football. Their summer transfer business reflects a club determined not to stand still after achieving a historic play-off qualification.
With Pierre-Alain Picard beginning his tenure, a blend of experienced leaders, promising young defenders and international recruits could make Nantes one of the teams to watch in the 2026-27 Arkema Première Ligue season.
Source: FC Nantes Women
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