Hicham Boudaoui emerges as option for Olympique de Marseille midfield reshuffle

Hicham Boudaoui is being considered by Olympique de Marseille as the club prepares for possible changes in midfield this summer, according to reports in France.

The 26-year-old Algeria international has spent several seasons with OGC Nice and is understood to have been added to Marseille’s list of potential midfield targets by the club’s recruitment department.

Foot Mercato reports that Boudaoui’s candidacy could become more prominent if Pierre-Emile Højbjerg leaves Marseille. The future of the Denmark international at the Stade Velodrome is considered uncertain, although Marseille have not yet made a concrete approach for Boudaoui.

For now, the interest remains at an exploratory stage, with Marseille assessing whether the Algerian’s qualities would fit their plans. No formal negotiations or offer have been reported.

Boudaoui joined OGC Nice from Paradou AC in 2019 and remains under contract with the club until 2027. Despite that long-term agreement, Nice would reportedly be open to considering his departure should an attractive proposal arrive.

A move to Marseille could offer Boudaoui the opportunity to take another step in his career and join a club with significant ambitions. He has gradually become an important member of the Nice squad since arriving on the French Riviera.

The midfielder has made 207 appearances for OGC Nice, scoring 14 goals. His energy, ability to move forward from midfield and experience of French football are among the attributes that could appeal to Marseille.

Boudaoui’s current value is estimated at about 12 million euros by Transfermarkt. His annual salary is reported to be 290,000 euros, equivalent to 188,500,000 FCFA.

Any move would depend on several factors, including Marseille’s final decisions over their midfield options and whether an acceptable transfer fee can be agreed with Nice. The next few weeks should indicate whether the interest develops into a formal attempt to sign the player.

Nice are also due to begin their French league campaign against Lorient. According to the betting prices published by 1xBet for that match, a Nice victory is listed at 2.10, a draw at 3.30 and a Lorient win at 3.00.