As every year, OGC Nice is set to light up the summer transfer window. This year, the unique context related to Galtier’s impending departure and Favre’s probable arrival has slowed things down. Nevertheless, several sources have indicated that there will be some movement in the coming days at the Gym.
Firstly, a departure has been confirmed by several sources, that of the much-loved Walter Benitez. Under contract with OGC Nice until June 30, 2022, the Argentine goalkeeper, who joined in July 2016, has decided to leave the Gym for free. He is heading to the Netherlands and the club PSV Eindhoven. Benitez likely sees an opportunity to play in the Champions League with the Eredivisie club, which is qualified for the competition playoffs. In 6 years, Walter Benitez played 187 matches for the Gym, conceding 231 goals and achieving 55 clean sheets.
Replacing Benitez will not be an easy task. For now, it’s another area that will be strengthened: the central defense. Already well-staffed with Todibo, Dante, and Daniliuc, the Gym’s supporters were quite surprised to see rumors of arrivals in this position, even though Dante at 38 years old will soon need a replacement.
According to the highly reliable Fabrizio Romano, the Riviera club would like to recruit Turkish defender Ozan Kabak. Considered one of the most promising players in his position just two years ago, the 22-year-old defender made a big impact in Germany with Schalke 04, where he was named the best young player in the 2019 league season. With his club’s relegation to the second division, he moved to Liverpool on loan. His 13 appearances with the Anfield club did not convince, and Kabak subsequently joined another Premier League club of a different caliber; Norwich, on loan. Unfortunately, this second experience in England did not work out either due to injuries and unconvincing performances.
Nice has reportedly already made an offer of 6 million euros, which was rejected by S04, who are asking for 8 million to release the Turkish international defender.
