After an idyllic start to the season for the Gym, the time has come to strengthen and trim down a squad that may be a bit too large.
The winter transfer window is one of the season’s attractions. Clubs sign new players to bounce back after a complicated start to the season or to continue on their momentum. OGC Nice is part of this, and as usual, the Aiglons are not immune to transfer rumors.
Arrivals: flashy names follow one another
After signing Dante, Belhanda, and Balotelli at the end of the transfer window and then going on to a superb start to the season, the Aiglons have stepped into a new dimension, particularly in the media. Naturally, the names being mentioned to join the team in January are more ambitious.
Memphis Depay, the main target
The Gym is known for reviving players in difficulty (Ben Arfa, Balotelli, Belhanda). Consequently, when a player is struggling at their club, people imagine them joining the Gym. This is particularly the case for Memphis Depay, who plays very little at Manchester United (4 matches, for 19 minutes in the Premier League). The rumor has gained traction and it is becoming increasingly probable. It’s now up to the club’s leaders to agree on the transaction (loan? transfer? contract duration?).
Luiz Gustavo, the wild rumor
This is another rumor that emerged on the Internet in recent days. Another Brazilian who would join the red and black club, specifically the international midfielder Luiz Gustavo, currently at Wolfsburg. But again, it’s complicated, mainly due to a salary that is too high for the Gym.
What about the Algerian options?
The names of Sofiane Feghouli (West Ham) and Yacine Brahimi (FC Porto) have also been mentioned in connection with the Gym. Although nothing seems concrete at the moment, it is not impossible that the two Algerian internationals might consider arriving on the Côte d’Azur to relaunch their careers.
Jonas Martin (Real Betis) and Clément Grenier (Lyon) also attract the Gym’s interest this winter.
And on the departures side?
Regarding departures, several unwanted players should be granted an exit. The latest rumors suggest Mathieu Bodmer heading to Caen, his training club, and Saïd Benrahma to Gazélec Ajaccio. Julien Vercauteren, Mouez Hassen, and Alexy Bosetti are expected to pack their bags in January. As a reminder, Lucien Favre has used only 21 players this season, whereas Claude Puel used many more.
