Montpellier sign Cameroonian keeper Simon Ngapandouetnbu from Marseille

French side Montpellier have confirmed the signing of Cameroon goalkeeper Simon Ngapandouetnbu ahead of the new 2025/26 season.

The 22-year-old has arrived at the Ligue 2 club from Olympique de Marseille following the departure of Benjamin Lecomte. “The young Cameroonian goalkeeper (22 years old) arrives from Olympique de Marseille,’ read a statement on the club’s official website.

“Looking for a goalkeeper since the departure of Benjamin Lecomte to validate its double in the first team goals alongside Mathieu Michel, MHSC is pleased to announce the signing of Simon Ngapandouetnbu.

“This young Cameroonian goalkeeper of a fairly slender build (1m88) grew up in Marseille where he became one of OM’s strongest prospects in his position. As proof, Andoni Zubizarreta, then Sporting Director of the Marseille club, signed him to his first professional contract in October 2019, when he was just 16 years old.

“Since then, Simon has gained experience by playing around forty matches with the Olympique de Marseille reserve team and training daily alongside prestigious goalkeepers, including Steve Mandanda.

“After playing the first full season of his career on the other side of the Vidourle last season (26 matches in the National with Nîmes), he is preparing to discover Ligue 2 with MHSC in 2025-2026. Welcome to your new home, Simon.”

He spent the 2024/25 season with National side Nîmes Olympique, making 26 league appearances. His return to Marseille during the pre-season was less than ideal, as head coach Roberto De Zerbi deemed the 22-year-old custodian surplus to requirements and excluded him from the first team.

Ngapandouetnbu is a Cameroon international but has yet to make his senior debut. He has made one appearance for the Cameroon Under-23 side and currently serves as a backup to Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper, André Onana.