OGC Nice have made clear they will demand between €20m and €25m for midfielder Hicham Boudaoui, as speculation over the Algerian’s future continues with just over two weeks remaining in the transfer window.
The 25-year-old, a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner, is understood to be keen on taking the next step in his career after six years on the Côte d’Azur.
However, the club’s valuation has so far proven a major stumbling block for potential suitors.
Boudaoui, who has 19 caps for Algeria, missed Nice’s recent Champions League qualifiers through illness, watching from the sidelines as the team fell short against Benfica.
Consecutive 2-0 defeats to the Portuguese side ended the club’s hopes of reaching Europe’s elite competition, underlining the gap between the sides.
French journalist Santi Aouna reports that Nice have lowered their initial asking price — which stood at €30m earlier in the summer — but the revised figure still represents a significant outlay for interested clubs.
Sources suggest that the high valuation has contributed to a lack of concrete offers, with only a tentative approach from Manchester United, reported earlier in the window, providing any indication of Premier League interest.
Boudaoui, born in Béchar, has been a consistent performer for Nice since joining from Paradou AC in 2019, establishing himself as a versatile midfield option capable of playing both centrally and in a wider role.
Despite his enduring influence in the squad, there is a growing sense that the player may be ready for a new challenge, particularly with his 26th birthday approaching.
For Nice, holding firm on their valuation appears to be a calculated move — one that would either ensure they retain a key player or secure a substantial fee should he leave.
The club’s stance reflects their belief in Boudaoui’s value, both in terms of his on-pitch contributions and his market worth.
With the window closing in a matter of days, the next fortnight will be decisive.
Unless an interested club meets Nice’s demands, Boudaoui may be set for another season in Ligue 1, potentially delaying his ambitions of playing at a higher competitive level.
As things stand, both player and club are in a delicate waiting game — one that could see a late flurry of negotiations, or simply end with Boudaoui remaining in familiar surroundings at the Allianz Riviera.
