Kenyan international winger Eric Omondi has rejected a new two-year contract extension from Romanian top-flight club UTA Arad, The Nerve Africa has exclusively learned.
The Romanian club had offered improved wages and terms, but Johana declined the deal, meaning he will leave at the end of the 2024/2025 season when his current contract expires.
Omondi Linked with Ligue 1 Move to Nantes
His decision to reject the extension has fueled speculation about a potential move to FC Nantes, with reports suggesting the eight-time French Ligue 1 champions are positioning themselves as his next destination ahead of the 2025/2026 campaign.
A source close to Darren Dein, the player’s agent, confirmed to The Nerve Africa that Johana will part ways with UTA Arad at the end of the season.
“We have resolved that Eric (Johana) will not stay beyond this season as we look for a new home for him. UTA Arad has treated him well, and he will give them his absolute best until the end,” the source told The Nerve Africa exclusively. “Nantes? We’ll see about that. We can’t confirm or deny anything at this point.”
Omondi’s Career and International Experience
Omondi, whose Transfermarkt valuation is estimated at €500,000, joined UTA Arad from Thai side Muang Thong United in 2023. Since then, he has made 57 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing 10 assists, along with two appearances in the Romanian Cup this season.
The 30-year-old began his professional career in Kenya’s FKF Premier League with Mathare United, where he played for three seasons. His European journey started in Sweden, where he featured for Vasalunds IF, Brommapojkarna, and Jönköpings Södra, before moving to Belgian side Beveren.
On the international stage, Johana has 36 caps for the Kenyan national team, the Harambee Stars, registering five goals and two assists. He remains a key figure in Kenya’s squad and is set to feature in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon.
With his contract winding down at UTA Arad, all eyes will be on whether Nantes or another European club secures his signature in the summer transfer window.
