OGC Nice eye Ghana defender Alidu Seidu despite transfer window closure

OGC Nice have turned their attention to Ghana defender Alidu Seidu as they explore the possibility of strengthening their backline despite the closure of the French transfer window.

The Ligue 1 club are considering the Stade Rennais defender following the serious injury suffered by Antoine Mendy in their league encounter with Le Mans last weekend.

Mendy sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury and is expected to spend several months on the sidelines, leaving Nice with a defensive gap to address.

The injury could work in Seidu’s favour, with Nice able to make use of France’s ‘joker’ provision, which allows clubs to recruit outside the normal transfer window in specific circumstances, including serious injuries within the squad.

Seidu has reportedly emerged as one of the options being considered by the Côte d’Azur outfit, who see the Ghana international as a potential solution to their defensive problems.

The 26-year-old has struggled for a regular role at Rennes this season and could welcome the opportunity to move to Nice in search of consistent first-team football.

However, Nice are yet to make a formal approach for the former Clermont Foot defender as they await approval of their transfer budget from owners INEOS.

Should the move receive the green light, a temporary switch could be negotiated, with a loan deal including an option to buy understood to be among the possibilities being considered.

Seidu still has a contract with Rennes running until 2029, putting the French club in a strong position in any negotiations over his departure.

The versatile defender, who can operate at centre-back or right-back, previously made his name at Clermont Foot before earning a move to Rennes and becoming part of Ghana’s senior national team setup.

A move to Nice could give Seidu a fresh start in Ligue 1 and, more importantly, provide him with the regular playing time he has been unable to secure at Rennes.