Nice and Lens battle for Moroccan defender Youssef Belammari

OGC Nice and Racing Club of Lens are locked in competition for Moroccan defender Youssef Belammari, who is currently playing at the 2026 World Cup, with both clubs preparing summer 2026 approaches.

Nice survived in Ligue 1 as 16th place, defeating Saint-Etienne in the playoffs, and has already confirmed Claude Puel’s departure as manager. Lens will also have a new coach for 2026-2027 after Pierre Sage was replaced by Dino Toppmöller. Both clubs delivered exceptional performances this season and now share a common transfer target.

According to Moroccan media HerPress, both teams are courting the 27-year-old left-back from Egypt’s Al Ahly. Belammari was called up by Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi for the World Cup but didn’t play a minute in his country’s opening match against Brazil. He signed with Al Ahly until June 2029, having come through Raja Casablanca, and shares a Moroccan national team locker room with current and former Ligue 1 players.

The deal offers another advantage: Belammari is valued at just 1.2 million euros, making him affordable for both clubs. For Nice, they may need to replace long-serving left-back Melvin Bard, who has been with the club since 2021. For Lens, they seek a backup for regular Matthieu Udol ahead of their Champions League season.