Monaco weigh late move for Nice midfielder Hicham Boudaoui

AS Monaco are still considering a move for OGC Nice midfielder Hicham Boudaoui, despite the summer transfer window in France having closed.

According to L’Equipe, the 26-year-old Algeria international is being assessed as a possible “joker” signing, a status that would allow the Principality club to complete the deal after the end of the window. The option remains open as Monaco continue to look for further midfield reinforcements.

Boudaoui had appeared close to leaving Nice for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia during the final stages of the transfer market. Nice and the Saudi club reportedly reached an agreement worth about 8m euros, but the transfer ultimately failed to go through.

That breakdown has left the door open to a move within Ligue 1. Monaco examined several alternatives in the closing hours of the window but have continued to consider Boudaoui as a potential addition to their squad.

The midfielder has played for Nice since 2019 and has built up significant experience in the French top flight. He has also won 36 caps for Algeria, known as the Fennecs. His experience of Ligue 1 and international football could give Monaco another option in the centre of the pitch.

Boudaoui is under contract with Nice until 30 June 2027. His estimated market value is 12m euros, while his reported annual salary is 290,000 euros, equivalent to 188,500,000 FCFA.

The midfielder’s possible departure would therefore remain a live issue even though the main French transfer window is now closed. Monaco would need to use the joker provision if they decide to complete the move, while Nice would have to consider whether to retain a player who remains tied to the club for nearly three more years.

Nice are next due to play Le Mans in the third round of the French championship. Betting company 1xBet lists Nice as favourites for that match, with a home win priced at 1.69. A draw is priced at 3.60, while a Le Mans victory is listed at 4.50.

For now, no transfer has been completed and Boudaoui remains an OGC Nice player. However, Monaco’s continued interest means the Algeria international could still remain in Ligue 1 while changing clubs after the close of the summer market.