Al-Ittihad in advanced talks to sign Nice midfielder Hicham Boudaoui

Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad have opened advanced negotiations with Nice midfielder Hicham Boudaoui over a move this summer, according to Saudi newspaper Al Jazirah.

The Saudi club are working to strengthen their squad during the current summer transfer window and have identified the Algeria international as one of their main targets.

Al-Ittihad are also interested in Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Ritsu Doan, with the club attempting to complete both deals before the Saudi transfer window closes on 6 September.

Boudaoui, 26, has been with Nice since 2019 and has made 207 appearances for the French club. During that time, he has scored 14 goals and provided 15 assists.

The report says Al-Ittihad’s recruitment plans come as forward Moussa Diaby appears increasingly likely to leave the club. Diaby has not featured in any of Al-Ittihad’s past three matches this season, adding to speculation over his future.

The Saudi side have already confirmed the departure of Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, who has joined Al-Shabab after falling out of favour with the coaching staff.

Al-Aboud did not make a competitive appearance for Al-Ittihad this season before completing his move. The decision to release him was also influenced by his contract situation, with only three months remaining before he entered the free-agency period.

Al-Ittihad’s management therefore preferred to end its relationship with the winger and begin the search for another domestic player to strengthen that position.

The club are now working on their wider squad plans while negotiations continue for Boudaoui and Doan. The intention is to secure both players before the domestic transfer deadline, although the report does not indicate whether either agreement has been completed.

Boudaoui’s long spell at Nice has made him an experienced option for Al-Ittihad, having accumulated more than 200 appearances since arriving at the club. Doan, meanwhile, is being considered as another midfield addition as the Saudi side seek to reshape their squad during the summer window.

The potential arrival of Boudaoui would form part of a period of change at Al-Ittihad, with the club seeking reinforcements while departures are also being managed. Diaby’s possible exit and Al-Aboud’s completed transfer have created further movement within the squad ahead of the remainder of the season.

For now, Al-Ittihad’s reported priority is to advance talks for Boudaoui and Doan and complete the two deals before 6 September.