OGC Nice plan contract extension for rising star Djibril Coulibaly

OGC Nice are looking to extend the contract of teenage midfielder Djibril Coulibaly amid growing expectations surrounding his development at the French club.

The 17-year-old, whose current deal runs until 2028, has established himself as a regular member of the first team under coach Olivier Pantaloni.

Coulibaly has started seven of Nice’s first nine Ligue 1 matches this season, having been identified by the club in 2023 while playing at regional level.

Nice keen to secure Coulibaly’s future

Nice sporting director Roger Ricort described the teenager’s growing role in the team.

“He’s a first-team regular who doesn’t start every match,” Ricort said.

A club official also expressed confidence that an agreement could be reached to extend the midfielder’s contract.

“We’ll reach an agreement to extend his contract and I hope he’ll pass that famous 70-match milestone for us,” the official explained.

Champions League qualification could prove decisive

Despite their desire to keep Coulibaly, Nice acknowledge that their ability to retain the young midfielder could depend on their performances this season.

The club official warned that failing to qualify for the Champions League could make it difficult to keep the teenager.

“If we don’t qualify for the Champions League, we’ll lose him. Because he’s a player of that calibre.”

Nice are currently eighth in Ligue 1 and will need a strong campaign if they are to improve their chances of retaining one of their emerging talents.