OGC Nice: the market update of the week

Like every Sunday, we review the latest news about OGC Nice’s transfer market. The Eagles have shifted into second gear with the arrival of their first recruit: Laurent Abergel. In a difficult financial situation, the Gym must also sell, with several departures expected in the coming days on the Côte d’Azur.

This time, it’s official: OGC Nice has launched its summer transfer market! This Thursday, the Azure club announced the arrival of its first recruit of the off-season, Laurent Abergel, for the next three seasons. Released from his contract by FC Lorient – after seven years of good and loyal service – the midfielder arrives on the Côte d’Azur on a free transfer, with an impressive CV. At Nice, he will also reunite with a familiar face, in the form of Olivier Pantaloni, who was still his coach last season at the Merlus. The Frenchman comes to strengthen a failing area of play for the Gym, with a profile focused on aggression, reliability and grinta.

At the same time, OGC Nice officially announced the name of its new sporting director. The choice ultimately fell on Roger Ricort, who is making his return to succeed Florian Maurice. The director had already held this position between 2002 and 2009 at the Eagles. The 67-year-old, initially announced as a possible adviser to Maurice Cohen, ultimately benefited from the last-minute withdrawal of Geoffrey Moncada. The reduced transfer budget and the Gym’s about-face in hiring two close collaborators, combined with personal reasons, forced the former AC Milan executive to throw in the towel before even the official signing of his contract. Early last week, he was already working on the future outline of the red and black squad.

OGC Nice must sell for €40M

We knew that Nice’s transfer market would, once again, be a sign of austerity. This summer, the Gym may have taken an even more dangerous step. According to L’Équipe, OGC Nice finds itself obliged to sell for €40M, to bring cash into coffers that are emptier than ever. The Eagles are in an odd situation: without major departures, the Azure club won’t be able to afford to strengthen its squad. The arrival of Laurent Abergel is an exception, the midfielder was free after his contract was terminated by Lorient.

OGC Nice has already begun selling during the last days of June (Charles Vanhoutte, Jérémie Boga among others), but must now shift into second gear in this area. This is the first mission of Roger Ricort‘s mandate. Under these circumstances, no player would be untouchable. The red and black club would hope to find a way out for Sofiane Diop and Terem Moffi, the two biggest earners on its payroll. Melvin Bard, Hicham Boudaoui and Mohamed-Ali Cho are also credible departure candidates.

Another departure will soon be confirmed at OGC Nice. Gabin Bernardeau is reportedly about to sign with FC Lorient. The midfielder, who arrived at the Eagles last summer, wanted to gain playing time, which would not have been the case with Olivier Pantaloni. The transaction is estimated at one million euros.