In recent days, we have reported on the interests the Gym has towards several players. Even though none of these leads have materialized so far, new rumors have emerged.
Since January 1st, OGC Nice has been active in the transfer market in a manner similar to this summer. After the quick official confirmations of Kamara followed by Amavi, several sources have indicated interest from the Eagles for central defenders (Agbadou and Holgate). This desire to strengthen in this position seemed more than logical since only Daniliuc is used to relieve the starters Todibo and Dante.
As we announced, this intention to buy in this area of the game marked the end of the Nice adventure for Robson Bambu, also a central defender. The Brazilian was purchased for 8 million by the Gym in the summer of 2020, but unfortunately, he struggled to adapt and suffered a severe injury last March. Even since his return from recovery, it is clear that he is not part of Galtier’s plans. The 24-year-old player will return to his country and will be able to play again; he will head out on a one-year loan to Corinthians.
Another Brazilian is expected to leave the club, another “flop,” Danilo Barbosa. Once a great prospect at Braga in Portugal, the midfielder lost his way at Valencia, Benfica, and Standard Liège. He still cost the Azurean club a hefty sum of 12 million euros in 2018. He donned the red and black jersey 49 times but never seemed to be worth the price he cost. Danilo Barbosa returned to Brazil on loan a year ago. Having returned in early January, he will be loaned again, this time to Greece in AEK.
The departures of Bambu and Barbosa could be made official before the end of the week, and others may follow if we believe the words of Christophe Galtier yesterday: “If players want to leave because they are unhappy, we have to listen. We can’t accept everything, but we can listen and understand everyone’s position.”
The Gym does not seem to be active only for an arrival in defense as a very surprising but very enticing rumor has surfaced. According to Argentine media, OGC Nice is among the contenders to sign the new prodigy from the country of Leo Messi, Julian Alvarez. At only 21 years old, the young Argentine is the best player in his championship wearing the legendary River Plate club’s jersey. He showcases exceptional qualities and statistics (26 goals and 17 assists in 2021) that have earned him five caps with the Albiceleste. This lead seems surprising because the Gym already has several attacking players with Delort, Dolberg, and Gouiri. Nonetheless, two Argentine media outlets, Olé and TyC Sports, as well as ESPN Argentina, have announced that the Azurean club is very interested. But the competition will be huge for this deal, and Italian clubs like Atalanta and Naples also want to catch the gem in their net. The player’s release clause is 20 million euros.
