Transfer news: Marseille eye Nice midfielder Hicham Boudaoui

Olympique de Marseille are reportedly considering a move for OGC Nice midfielder Hicham Boudaoui, with the Algerian international entering the final year of his contract at the French club.

Boudaoui, who turns 27 next month, has spent seven years at Nice since joining from Paradou AC after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, his future on the French Riviera has become uncertain following a difficult 2025-26 season.

With less than two weeks remaining before the summer transfer window closes, Marseille are understood to be monitoring the midfielder as they look at possible additions to their squad.

Boudaoui’s future at Nice uncertain

Boudaoui arrived at Nice in 2019 for a reported €4m, making him the most expensive player sold by his local club at the time.

Despite his long stay with Les Aiglons, the Algeria international has yet to make the next significant step in his career.

He has nevertheless remained a regular presence in the Nice midfield.

Boudaoui has made 207 appearances for the club, starting 158 of those matches, despite working under several different managers during his time in France.

His consistency has kept him involved, but the midfielder’s situation has become more complicated after a turbulent campaign last season.

Relations with sections of the Nice support became strained during the 2025-26 season, creating an environment that has made his future at the club increasingly uncertain.

With only one year left on his contract, Nice could therefore consider selling the player rather than risk losing him later.

Previous interest failed to produce a move

Boudaoui’s name has already attracted interest outside France.

Clubs from Turkey explored the possibility of signing him during the January transfer window, but those discussions did not lead to a transfer.

The midfielder has subsequently remained with Nice, although the approaching end of his contract has once again raised questions about whether his time at the club is coming to an end.

A move could provide Boudaoui with an opportunity to begin a new chapter after seven seasons on the French Riviera.

Marseille face financial difficulty

Marseille’s interest, however, could prove difficult to turn into an agreement.

The club are reportedly considering Boudaoui as a potential option if Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg or Quintin Timber leaves this summer.

Marseille are also looking to reduce the size of their squad, making the midfielder’s situation dependent on departures.

The financial aspect of a deal is another obstacle.

Boudaoui’s market value is estimated at €12m by Transfermarkt, a figure Marseille may struggle to pay immediately.

As a result, a loan deal containing a mandatory purchase clause could be the most realistic way for the French club to complete the transfer.

That possibility would allow Marseille to bring in the Algerian without immediately committing the full amount required for a permanent transfer.

A possible Algerian midfield partnership

A move to Marseille could also create the possibility of Boudaoui playing alongside fellow Algerian international Himad Abdelli in midfield.

For now, however, the transfer remains a possibility rather than a completed deal.

Boudaoui’s contract situation, Marseille’s squad plans and the club’s financial position will all play a role in determining whether the midfielder leaves Nice before the window closes.

After seven years with Nice, the Algerian could be approaching a decisive point in his career.

With the summer transfer window entering its final stages, Marseille’s reported interest has placed Boudaoui’s future back in the spotlight.