After an impressive campaign with AJ Auxerre, Ivorian international Hamed Junior Traoré has emerged as a key transfer target for OGC Nice, with the Côte d’Azur club making initial enquiries into securing his services ahead of the summer window.
The 25-year-old attacking midfielder, on loan at Auxerre from Premier League side Bournemouth, enjoyed a resurgent season in Ligue 1, scoring 10 goals in 26 appearances.
His creative flair and consistent performances have not gone unnoticed, drawing the attention of multiple European clubs, including several with a strong presence in the French top flight.
According to reports from Foot Mercato, OGC Nice are among the frontrunners in the race to land Traoré. The club is actively seeking to bolster its midfield options and views the Ivorian as a player capable of adding dynamism and invention to their attacking setup.
The interest from Nice reflects the broader recognition Traoré has received following a season in which he became a central figure for Auxerre.
However, negotiations are expected to be complex. Bournemouth, who still hold Traoré under contract until 2028, are reportedly demanding a fee in the region of €20 million to part ways with the player.
While the valuation is significant, it has not deterred interest from across Europe. Alongside Nice, Premier League side West Ham United, as well as Serie A outfits Bologna and Atalanta, are also monitoring the situation closely.
Traoré’s path to prominence has been marked by both challenges and comebacks. After moving to Bournemouth from Italian side Sassuolo, the Abidjan-born midfielder struggled to find consistent form in the Premier League. Limited game time and adaptation issues saw him fall down the pecking order, prompting the loan move to Auxerre that has since revived his career trajectory.
His performances in Burgundy have been characterised by a renewed confidence and tactical maturity. Comfortable in advanced midfield roles and known for his ability to break through defensive lines, Traoré has been instrumental in Auxerre’s attacking output. His ten-goal tally stands out not just for its quantity, but also for the quality and timing of his contributions in key matches.
The financial demands posed by Bournemouth, while considerable, reflect the long-term investment the club has made in the player and the resurgence in his market value following his spell in France.
Whether OGC Nice or another suitor can meet the asking price remains to be seen, but there is little doubt that Traoré will be one of the most closely watched midfielders in the upcoming transfer window.
As clubs across Europe continue to assess their summer targets, Hamed Junior Traoré’s name is firmly in the conversation. With interest growing and negotiations likely to intensify in the coming weeks, the Ivorian playmaker may soon find himself at the centre of one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer stories.
