Exeter City have made their first moves in the transfer market to bring former Cheltenham Town defender Nigel Atangana to St James’ Park.
The Frenchman was offered a new deal with the Robins, but has chosen to jump ship to join a side that just missed out on a play-off place on the final day of the season.
The 29-year-old plays a holding midfielder role, is comfortable on the ball but highly combative off it. He spent time with a number of French sides early in his career, but a move to Hampton and Waterlooville proved to be a success.
He caught the eye of Portsmouth and has since also played for Leyton Orient before this latest switch.
Grecians fans are seemingly delighted to have him arrived, with one Twitter user suggesting the swoop back on May 13th. He was credited with the tip-off, jokingly of course, in the club’s official announcement.
Some have chosen to look on the darker side of the news, wondering if the capture of Atangana suggests that fan-favourite Hiram Boateng is leaving. He’s out of contract and has been tipped to make a move, along with keeper Christy Pym.
Here’s what their fans are saying on social media about the deal.
Would be worth a look but has a bit of a poor injury record. Definitely the type of player we could do with. I also notice Ryan Broom is in contract talks with Chelt. Was impressed with him at SJP, skilful and creative.
— Alan Matthews (@moomin_1981) May 13, 2019
https://twitter.com/DepressedQuokka/status/1130382959473778691
It's just great to have a Nigel on board. Bienvenue, Nige.
— Colin Harvey (@ColinHarvey01) May 20, 2019
Wait so because this is an early announcement, could there be one more later? 👀
— Moustafa Salem🇪🇬 (@muzzysalem) May 20, 2019
Guess this means Boateng is gone 😏😫
— Jamie Chudley (@chudley_jamie) May 20, 2019
Didn’t see this coming early on a Monday morning .. welcome to ECFC Nigel 👍
— Anthony Beveridge (@anth_ecfc) May 20, 2019
Did no one tell him that Boateng is leaving?
— An Inquisitive Englishman (@JJsViews) May 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/Music_Playlist5/status/1130415144402599936
