Egypt defender Mohamed Abdelmonem rejects OGC Nice exit

Egyptian international defender Mohamed Abdelmonem has returned to training with French Ligue 1 side Nice and is reportedly determined to remain at the club despite interest from abroad during the current summer transfer window.

The centre-back has rejoined his teammates following his participation with the Egypt national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as he begins preparations for the new Ligue 1 campaign.

Nice are scheduled to open their league season against Lorient on August 22, giving Abdelmonem an important period to regain his fitness and work his way back into the team’s plans ahead of the start of competitive action.

The Egyptian defender is now focused on establishing himself at Nice after a difficult previous campaign that was severely disrupted by injury.

According to French newspaper L’Équipe, Abdelmonem wants to continue his career with Nice and has no intention of leaving the French club during the current transfer window.

The report indicates that the defender has rejected the possibility of a move despite interest from Major League Soccer side FC Cincinnati, who are reportedly keen to secure his services.

Abdelmonem’s decision reflects his determination to prove himself in France and fight for his place at Nice rather than seek an immediate move elsewhere.

The 27-year-old reportedly sees his future at the Ligue 1 club and wants to demonstrate his qualities after his progress was interrupted by a serious injury.

His situation had previously generated speculation over a potential departure, with interest coming from clubs outside France.

However, Abdelmonem has seemingly made his position clear and is prepared to remain at Nice and compete for a regular place in the squad.

The Egyptian international’s desire to stay also comes after reports that he turned down a lucrative offer from the Gulf.

According to Africa Foot, Abdelmonem previously rejected an offer that would have earned him around €5 million, preferring instead to continue his development and prove his abilities at Nice.

The decision highlights the defender’s ambition to establish himself in European football and demonstrate that he can compete at the highest level following his move from Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

Abdelmonem joined Nice in the summer of 2024 after making a name for himself with Al Ahly, where he developed into one of the most highly regarded defenders in Egyptian and African football.

His move to France was viewed as a significant step in his career, offering him the opportunity to test himself in one of Europe’s major leagues.

However, his first period at Nice was disrupted by a serious knee injury.

The defender suffered a cruciate ligament tear that ruled him out for the entirety of last season, preventing him from making the expected contribution to the French side.

The lengthy injury lay-off was a major setback for Abdelmonem, particularly after moving to Europe with the ambition of establishing himself as a regular at Nice.

Since joining the club in 2024, he has made 17 appearances in the Nice shirt.

His return to training now represents an important opportunity to put the difficult period behind him and rebuild his position within the squad.

Abdelmonem will need to work his way back to full fitness and convince the Nice coaching staff that he is ready to compete for a starting role.

His participation with Egypt at the 2026 World Cup could also provide valuable competitive minutes as he looks to regain his rhythm following his injury absence.

For Nice, having the Egyptian international available again could provide additional depth and experience in the centre of defence ahead of a demanding Ligue 1 campaign.

The club will begin its league season against Lorient on August 22, meaning Abdelmonem has a limited window to prepare himself physically and technically for the opening fixture.

The defender’s decision to remain at Nice also means the club can retain an experienced international option in its defensive ranks rather than losing him to a foreign club.

For Abdelmonem, the priority is clear: recover fully, earn the confidence of the coaching staff and establish himself as an important player for Nice.

Despite reported interest from FC Cincinnati and lucrative proposals from elsewhere, the Egyptian has reportedly chosen sporting ambition over a potentially more financially rewarding move.

His decision could give him the opportunity to finally demonstrate his full potential in France after injury prevented him from doing so last season.

With the new Ligue 1 campaign approaching, all eyes will now be on Abdelmonem as he attempts to make a strong return and secure his place in the Nice defence.

After a difficult year away from competitive football, the Egyptian international will be hoping the upcoming season marks the beginning of a fresh chapter in his European career.