The deal was concluded in the final hours of the transfer market: Carlos Eduardo, a 24-year-old Brazilian midfielder, joins OGC Nice for one season, on loan from FC Porto. A midfielder with a high work rate, he is the sixth and last recruit for the team from the French Riviera.
The transfer window, a period eagerly anticipated but also dreaded by coaches and presidents, finally comes to an end. After four matches in the French Championship, the rosters are now closed and final. OGC Nice was active until the last hours to add a technical touch to the already existing squad. The arrival of Carlos Eduardo, “followed for a few months by the club,” allows for doubling the midfield positions.
“Carlos Eduardo was eager to come to Nice, but Porto considered that this player had value and almost kept him until the end. We had to act quickly and efficiently, and we are happy to welcome him,” smiles President Jean-Pierre Rivère.
At 24 years old, he is already an experienced player, born and trained in Brazil before crossing the Atlantic to join Estoril in Portugal. It was in this intermediate-level club that he flourished and was noticed by the best Portuguese club of recent years, FC Porto. Carlos Eduardo is a complete midfielder, trained as a playmaker but who has been playing in a more withdrawn position in recent years. His arrival should increase competition in a sector where Valentin Eysseric, Niklas Hult, Julien Vercauteren, and Eric Bauthéac are already present.
“He has a particular profile that I appreciate. I had good feedback from friends in Portugal about his technique and mindset. Playing in midfield is a demanding role and he has a high work rate,” analyzes the coach of the Aiglons, Claude Puel.
Last season, he played about thirty matches in the Dragons’ jersey, FC Porto’s nickname, including 5 in the Europa League. He will therefore bring to the Nice squad his experience gained in the European Cup and at FC Porto in contact with great players like Colombian Jackson Martinez and Mexican Hector Herrera.
“I am happy to have signed with Nice, I already appreciate the city. I chose this club because I followed Ligue 1 from Portugal and felt that I was really wanted. I would describe myself as a player capable of linking defense and attack and I am a good free-kick taker,” explained Carlos Eduardo during his presentation.
Despite an ankle injury in mid-season last year, the Brazilian recruit feels physically well, ready to start in his new colors. For this, the new number 3 will have to wait until Saturday, September 13, when they host FC Metz.
