CSKA Moscow targeting Nice midfielder Hicham Boudaoui in late transfer move

CSKA Moscow are targeting OGC Nice midfielder Hicham Boudaoui and are preparing to make an offer for the Algeria international while the Russian transfer window remains open.

The Russian club have identified the 26-year-old midfielder as a potential addition to their squad, with Nice valuing the player at around €12 million.

Nice are in a strong negotiating position because Boudaoui remains under contract with the French club until June 2027. That means the Ligue 1 side are not under immediate pressure to sell and can demand a fee that matches their valuation.

CSKA Moscow will therefore have to decide whether they are willing to meet Nice’s reported €12m asking price if they want to bring Boudaoui to Russia.

The situation could develop in the coming days, with the extended transfer window in Russia giving CSKA Moscow more time to pursue the midfielder. While the French transfer market has already closed, clubs in Russia can continue their transfer activity.

Boudaoui has been with Nice since September 2019 and has established himself as an important part of the club’s midfield options. The Algerian has also earned 36 international caps and remains part of the national-team picture.

His current annual salary is estimated at €290,000.

CSKA Moscow’s interest comes after Boudaoui was previously linked with a number of clubs. Monaco, Villarreal and Al-Ittihad have all been mentioned as potential destinations for the midfielder in recent years.

Al-Ittihad came particularly close to securing his services in August 2026, when an agreement worth around €8 million with the Saudi club was announced. However, the proposed transfer eventually collapsed.

That failed move could now give CSKA Moscow an opportunity to revive the player’s transfer situation.

The Russian club would face a higher financial demand than the figure previously discussed with Al-Ittihad. Nice are reportedly looking for approximately €12 million, reflecting Boudaoui’s remaining contract and their strong position in negotiations.

With the midfielder tied to the French club until 2027, Nice can afford to wait for an offer that meets their expectations.

CSKA Moscow’s next step could therefore be significant, with an official proposal potentially arriving as the Russian transfer window approaches its deadline.