Transfers
MERCATO
OFFICIEL
Nosa Edward Obaretin Joins Lorient on Loan from Napoli
The 22-year-old Italian defender, who spent last season on loan at Empoli in Serie B, arrives at Stade du Moustoir to add depth to Lorient's defensive line.
Nosa Edward Obaretin has completed a loan move from Napoli to Lorient, the Ligue 1 club announced on 24 August 2026. The 22-year-old Italian defender, who spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Empoli, signs at the Stade du Moustoir - Yves Allainmat as Napoli's third loan exit of the summer window.
At a glance
- Age/Position: 22, Defender (No. 5)
- Deal: Season-long loan from Napoli to Lorient, 24 Aug 2026
- Previous stop: Empoli (Serie B, 2025-26)
Career context
Obaretin's path has been defined by loan spells. He began his senior career away from Napoli's parent club in 2023, joining Trento on loan in August of that year. After returning to Napoli in July 2024, he moved to Bari for a second loan spell, coming back to the Partenopei in July 2025 before being farmed out to Empoli in August 2025.
His return from Empoli was confirmed on 29 June 2026, and six weeks later he was on his way to Lorient. The move to France marks his first transfer outside Italy and his first taste of top-flight football in a major European league.
How he fits at his new club
Standing 193cm tall, Obaretin is a commanding figure in defence. His API-Football attributes show a duels rating of 100 and a defence score of 54, with technique (83) and creation (17) suggesting he's comfortable playing out from the back.
Apps
Goals
Assists
Minutes
Rating
Lorient, who play on artificial turf at a 18,970-capacity venue, will benefit from a defender who won 123 of 196 duels last season and maintained an 86% pass accuracy across 2,444 minutes. His ability to play 28 starts in Serie B indicates he has the physical and mental resilience for regular football.
Recent numbers
During the 2025 Serie B campaign with Empoli, Obaretin was a consistent presence:
- 29 appearances (28 starts, 1 substitute entry)
- 2,444 minutes played
- 196 duels contested, 123 won (63% success rate)
- 43 tackles, 29 interceptions, 9 blocks
- 1,165 passes completed at 86% accuracy
- 1 assist, 0 goals
- 4 yellow cards, 1 red card
- 6.54 average rating
His most recent match action came on 8 May 2026, playing as a substitute in a 2-2 draw against Monza in Serie B's final round.
Key takeaways
| Metric | Serie B 2025 (Empoli) |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 29 |
| Minutes | 2,444 |
| Pass accuracy | 86% |
| Duels won | 123/196 (63%) |
| Tackles | 43 |
| Interceptions | 29 |
| Blocks | 9 |
- Durability: Started 28 of 29 matches, showing reliability and fitness
- Defensive work rate: 43 tackles and 29 interceptions demonstrate active involvement
- Ball-playing defender: 86% pass accuracy and 1,165 total passes show comfort with distribution
- Physical presence: 193cm frame and 63% duels-won rate suggest aerial and physical competitiveness
- Discipline concern: 1 red card and 4 yellows in 29 games indicates potential for reckless challenges