Hicham Boudaoui linked with Villarreal move from Nice

Algeria midfielder Hicham Boudaoui is being linked with a move from Nice to Villarreal, with the LaLiga club monitoring the 26-year-old central midfielder.

Boudaoui remains under contract with Nice until 30 June 2027, meaning any potential deal would come with the French club’s contract position still active. His current market value is listed at €12m.

The right-footed midfielder joined Nice from Algerian club Paradou AC in September 2019 for a reported €4m and has remained with the Ligue 1 side since then. He was part of the Nice squad that finished as French Cup runners-up in the 2025-26 season.

Boudaoui has also won the Africa Cup of Nations with Algeria, claiming the title in 2019. He began his senior career at Paradou AC after progressing from the club’s under-21 side.

There is no indication that an agreement has been reached between Nice and Villarreal, and the proposed move remains at the rumour stage. Boudaoui’s contract gives Nice control over his future beyond the current transfer window, while his €12m valuation provides an indication of the midfielder’s current standing in the market.