After the recent arrivals of Morgan Sanson and Jérémie Boga, OGC Nice has been more discreet this week. No new signings, therefore, but files that are progressing rapidly before the championship resumes next Friday.
Goodbye to transfers worth 20 million euros (Jérémie Boga), Nice is now looking for budget-friendly solutions. Jean-Pierre Rivère recently hinted that Ineos no longer seems open to spending, quite a paradox for a team aiming to compete in Europe! With a left-back, a central defender, a right winger, and a goalkeeper in their sights, Florent Ghisolfi and his team will have to make do with what’s available.
Perhaps the ready-made solution would be to sell a key player from the squad? Khéphren Thuram and Jean-Clair Todibo are very much sought after in Europe. The young French internationals could free up a significant budget to allow the Gym to strengthen all positions. And it’s just as well because according to RMC Sport, Juventus from Turin has reportedly reached out to Nice to inquire about the Todibo case. Under contract until 2027 and at the dawn of a pivotal season culminating with Euro 2024, the 23-year-old central defender seems set to stay in the sunny Riviera. However, the Eagles could let him go if the offer is around 30 million euros.
The big question about the full-backs
Left-back is THE position fueling transfer rumors around the Gym this summer. Rayan Aït-Nouri and Luca Pellegrini are the two priority targets. According to several Italian sources, Juventus is pressing to send Pellegrini to the Eagles on loan. For Aït-Nouri, Wolverhampton (England) is asking for 18 million euros, which seems too high for a Gym looking to cut expenses. Melvin Bard’s good performance against Villarreal yesterday might have changed things, who knows?
Among right-backs, there are rumors about Ricardo Pereira’s return to Nice. But between Youssef Atal and Jordan Lotomba, the position looks crowded. The former, who worries with his recurring injuries, reportedly has offers from some Gulf clubs. However, Nice does not wish to part with him and hopes the Algerian international can maintain his rank over time. The latter, highly rated in Europe, especially in the Bundesliga, is simply considered non-transferable. With his convincing performances, the young Swiss defender has won over the Gym’s management.
In conclusion, the matter of Kasper Schmeichel should be resolved in the coming days. Contracted with OGC Nice until June 2026, the goalkeeper could make a move back to the Premier League. According to information from various British media, the 36-year-old Dane is being watched by several English clubs. He might not close the door on a departure…
That’s all for this week! The Eagles can be seen early in the afternoon for their last preparation match against Fiorentina (Italy). To follow from 2 PM in full on the OGC Nice YouTube channel.
