Cameroon defender Castelletto leaves Nantes for Qatar

Cameroon international Jean-Charles Castelletto has joined Qatar Stars League club Al Duhail from French Ligue 1 side Nantes. The experienced defender was close to joining clubs in other Gulf countries, but Al Duhail signed him in a deal worth €4 million.

 

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Castelletto spent the last five seasons at the Breton outfit and was a key member when the Canaries won the 2022 Coupe de France. The 30-year-old center-back attracted interest from United Arab Emirates side Al Jazira and Qatari club Al Wakrah. Nonetheless, Al Duhail won the race and signed him for the next three seasons.

Nantes anticipated the departure of the Indomitable Lions defender and quickly prepared a successor by bringing in Nigerian defender Chidozie Awaziem from MLS club Colorado Rapids.

Al Duhail is coached by Algerian trainer Djamel Belmadi. Castelletto made 31 appearances in all competitions for Nantes last season, helping the club avoid relegation.

Al Duhail also signed Senegalese defender Youssouf Sabaly and Algerian Ligue 1 top scorer Adil Boulbina during the summer transfer window. Castelletto is the third African player to join the club in this transfer window.