As every Monday, we summarize the latest winter transfer window news from Gym. Last week, the Aiglons announced their first signing: Baptiste Santamaria.
It was expected, and now it is official! This week, OGC Nice officially announced the arrival of Baptiste Santamaria from Stade Rennais. Unwanted in Brittany, the midfielder is loaned until the end of the season, with a purchase option. According to several rumors, this option would only amount to €3 million. This Sunday, the former Rennes player even started in the derby, making his debut in his new colors. Paired with Hicham Boudaoui in Franck Haise’s double pivot, the French midfielder delivered a very good performance.
In the same area, Gym reportedly inquired about Joris Chotard. Contacts between Nice and Montpellier took place regarding the midfielder, before Santamaria’s arrival on the French Riviera. Since then, the situation seems to be at a standstill. A favorable outcome could occur in the final hours of the transfer window.
The winter transfer window closes next week
Finally, on the departures front, OGC Nice announced the departure of Rares Ilie to US Catanzaro (Serie B). Having appeared twice for Nice this season, the Romanian midfielder is heading to Italy. The operation was set up as a loan with a purchase option. Arriving in Nice in 2022, the youth international has played only 10 matches with the Aiglons.
The closure of the winter transfer window is quickly approaching in France. Teams have until next Monday, February 3rd, to finalize their last operations. Until then, Gym is not expected to be very active, though a second winter signing cannot be ruled out.