As every Sunday, we round up the latest transfer news from OGC Nice. In recent days, the Gym has been on the hunt for a new central defender.
Currently, the absolute priority for OGC Nice in this summer transfer window is a new central defender. In addition to the long-term absences of Youssouf Ndayishimiye and Mohamed Abdelmonem (cruciate ligaments), the name Moïse Bombito has been added to the injury list on the Côte d’Azur side. The Canadian, who suffered a microfracture in his tibia at the end of last season, needs a period of rest to fully recover. He is not expected to return to the field until at least September. As a result, Franck Haise has only three true central defenders at his disposal: Dante, Antoine Mendy, and Juma Bah, one of the summer signings.
While Melvin Bard and Pablo Rosario can fill in at this position, strengthening the central area is becoming a necessity for the Gym, especially since the Nice coach employs a central system in his formation. “It’s a necessity,” said Franck Haise in a press conference. The chosen one could be Kojo Peprah Oppong. According to Foot Mercato, the Gym has made a first offer to his club, IFK Norrköping. However, the leaders of the Swedish second division club are appearing demanding in this matter, and negotiations seem to be stalling between the two clubs.
After Bulka, Laborde on the way out
OGC Nice will lose another key player from its squad. As announced last week, Gaëtan Laborde will join Saudi Arabia and Al-Diraiyah FC in the Saudi second division. The operation could bring €5 million to the Gym, which also sheds a large salary from its wage bill. The official announcement of the transfer is only a matter of days, or even hours.
Still on departures, OGC Nice will not hold back Pablo Rosario, who is under contract until June 2026. The Dutch midfielder has been given a green light to leave. As revealed by the Portuguese media, Record, the defensive player is being targeted by Porto. The Portuguese club has just appointed its new coach, a certain Francesco Farioli, who is well known on the Côte d’Azur. The former coach of the Aiglons appreciates Rosario‘s profile and wishes to collaborate once again with his former player. On his end, the Dutchman reportedly already has a preliminary agreement to join the Portuguese club.
Finally, the Gym has also officially announced the departure of Ayoub Amraoui. The defender has been transferred to Al-Ahli Sports in Qatar. The valuation of this deal could reach one million euros. As a reminder, the young player, a product of the Côte d’Azur training center, played on loan at Martigues last season.
