Barcelona, Monaco, or Nottingham Forest: Super Eagles star reveals why he may never join Europe’s best clubs

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has opened up on why he remains committed to FC Nantes despite possessing the quality to play for some of Europe’s top clubs, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigeria international has been a consistent standout in Ligue 1 since joining Nantes in 2019, first on loan from Levante before making the move permanent for €5 million the following summer.

Simon has become one of the most reliable wingers in the French top flight, registering 31 goals and 34 assists in 167 league appearances – an impressive return for a player operating in a team often battling relegation.

No player has more Ligue 1 assists than Moses Simon this season.

Nantes’ maestro pic.twitter.com/1UEB6bRmCh

— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) February 15, 2025

His consistent performances have attracted interest from Barcelona, Monaco, Villarreal, OGC Nice, and Nottingham Forest in recent seasons, according to Topmercato.

However, the 29-year-old remains happy at Nantes – a decision driven by contentment rather than ambition.

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Super Eagles star Moses Simon: ‘Happiness over ambition’

Despite his talents and links to bigger clubs, Simon insists his loyalty to Nantes stems from the positive environment at the club.

“Why don’t I play in a bigger club? But when you love your club, when you get on well with everyone, you can stay, so it’s not a problem,” Simon told L’Equipe.

“For now, in my head, I’m happy here. You can be in a bigger club, not play and not be happy. Playing in the European Cup, of course, is something, I’ve already experienced it, but if it doesn’t come… My job is Nantes, after that I don’t know.”

Simon has been one of Nantes’ most decisive players this season, with six goals and seven assists in 21 Ligue 1 matches – the highest goal involvement in the squad.

His contribution has been vital in keeping Nantes away from the drop zone, once again proving his importance to the club.

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Super Eagles forward Moses Simon has 13 goal contributions for Nantes this season, despite playing for a team battling relegation.

Would you start Moses in the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers? #A2ZFootballHub I #SuperEagles I #A2ZisHere I pic.twitter.com/kZDcORQUbF

— A2Z Football Hub ⚫ (@a2zfootballhub) February 25, 2025

While Simon remains loyal to Nantes, his international aspirations burn brightly.

The winger made his Nigeria debut in 2015 and has earned 72 caps and scored nine goals for the Super Eagles. However, he is yet to feature at a FIFA World Cup.

Simon missed the 2018 World Cup in Russia due to injury, despite playing a key role in Nigeria’s qualification under Gernot Rohr. Four years later, he was denied another chance after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 tournament in Qatar, losing to Ghana in the playoffs.

With the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico potentially his final chance, Simon is determined to finally achieve his long-held dream.

“I also hope to play in a first World Cup in 2026. In 2018, I was injured, and in 2022, we didn’t qualify,” Simon said.

Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying are hanging by a thread after failing to win any of their opening four qualifiers.

However, with crucial games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe coming up this month, Simon’s experience and quality could prove pivotal as the Super Eagles look to revive their campaign.