As the summer transfer window heats up, OGC Nice finds itself at a pivotal juncture, carefully balancing financial considerations with the ambitious sporting goals set by their new head coach, Franck Haise. The focus is squarely on the midfield, where significant changes appear to be on the horizon, highlighted by the potential departure of a key player for a substantial fee.
The €30 Million Question: Hicham Boudaoui
At the heart of Nice`s current transfer discourse is Algerian midfielder Hicham Boudaoui. A guaranteed starter and a vital cog in the team`s engine room, Boudaoui`s dynamism and versatility have not gone unnoticed. Reports suggest that OGC Nice is surprisingly open to his sale this summer, albeit with a firm condition: a considerable price tag. It`s understood that a Bundesliga side was recently quoted a figure of €30 million for the 25-year-old. This valuation, while perhaps raising eyebrows in some quarters, signals Nice`s clear intent: they are not simply looking to offload talent, but rather to maximize returns for players deemed expendable, or at least, purchasable “at the right price.” In the often-inflated world of football transfers, €30 million for a promising midfielder is a statement of confidence in his market value, or perhaps, a polite way of saying “don`t bother unless you`re serious.”
A Midfield in Flux Under Franck Haise
Boudaoui`s potential departure isn`t occurring in a vacuum. The midfield at Nice is undergoing a significant reshuffle under the watchful eye of Franck Haise, who is keen to imprint his tactical vision on the squad. Pablo Rosario is already slated to leave, creating one immediate vacancy. Adding to the complexity, Tanguy Ndombélé, though expected to remain at the club, will miss the initial phase of the upcoming season due to surgery for a sports hernia. This injury, a persistent nuisance since late 2024, complicates Nice`s immediate midfield options. Against this backdrop, the decision regarding Boudaoui becomes clearer: his sale could free up substantial funds for Haise to pursue targets that better fit his specific requirements, enabling a more tailored construction of the squad. It`s a strategic move, rather than a forced liquidation.
Untouchables: Bard and Ali-Cho`s Enduring Value
While Boudaoui`s future remains a subject of speculation, Nice`s stance on other key players is unequivocally firm. The club has reportedly closed the door on any potential deals for both Melvin Bard and Mohamed Ali-Cho. Haise views these two players as integral to his plans for the upcoming season, indicating a clear differentiation in their strategic importance. Bard, a reliable presence on the left flank, and Ali-Cho, a forward with significant potential, represent the core elements around which Haise intends to build. This discerning approach highlights a calculated strategy: some players are deemed vital for sporting continuity, while others, despite their value, are seen as assets that can be leveraged to fund further squad development.
Strategic Ambition in the Transfer Market
Nice`s current approach to the transfer window is a fascinating display of strategic ambition. By setting a high bar for Boudaoui, they are effectively testing the market`s appetite while simultaneously signaling their financial strength and reluctance to part with assets cheaply. This calculated risk allows them to potentially generate significant revenue, which can then be reinvested into areas where Haise identifies a greater need. The emphasis on carefully selected departures and resolute retention of other key talents underscores a long-term vision. As the summer progresses, the success of this strategy will be measured not just in euros, but in how effectively Franck Haise can sculpt a competitive squad capable of challenging in Ligue 1 and beyond. The chessboard is set, and Nice is making its moves with precision.
