One spot, and one spot only
Olivier Pantaloni knows exactly what he wants. The OGC Nice coach spoke on Friday ahead of Sunday’s trip to Paris FC for Ligue 1 Matchday 2. His priority comes down to one position: left wing-back.
Melvin Bard is the only natural fit in that lane for now. Ali Abdi has returned to full training, but his comeback date is still up in the air. The Nice boss says he is ready to move if an opening comes up before Tuesday.
Elsewhere, he is asking for nothing. At centre-back, Mohamed Abdelmonem is back in the picture and Mandza can fill in through the middle. Pantaloni reckons his defence is stocked enough.
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Three players on other clubs’ radar, and no way to plan around it
Nice’s problem is not who might come in. It is who could walk out. The club has already sold Mohamed-Ali Cho to Hull City for 13 million euros. Three more players are attracting interest.
Everton are looking at Melvin Bard, the man holding down the left side. Al-Ittihad are pushing for Hicham Boudaoui. Fenerbahce want Kojo Peprah Oppong. None of those deals is done, and that is what is holding everything else up.
Pantaloni put it plainly: “The fear is a last-minute departure.” The club cannot line up a replacement while the player in question is still under contract.
Still no win, and a trip to Paris FC on Sunday
On the pitch, Nice have not won yet. The Gym opened with a goalless draw at home to Lorient. The trip to Paris FC has come around fast.
Two new signings will be available for that one: Axel Witsel and Elye Wahi. An experienced midfielder and a striker, both brought in to add some muscle and a few more answers up front.
Four days before the window shuts, Nice are still moving forward without knowing what their squad will look like on Wednesday morning.
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