OGC Nice is considering spending €8M this summer to sign midfielder Benjamin Bouchouari, a transfer that would surprise given his current status. The club, 16th in Ligue 1 with 32 points, 7 wins, 11 draws and 16 losses, shows recent form in WDDLD.

Why is Nice interested in Bouchouari?

After leaving AS Saint‑Étienne in summer 2025 for Trabzonspor, Bouchouari has not cemented his place: 17 games, only 6 starts and no decisive contributions. Yet his three‑year contract and €1.2 M net salary per season remain attractive for a club looking to bolster its midfield without blowing its budget. The rumor of Nice’s interest comes from Fanatik, which mentions a possible €7‑8M investment.

The real cost of such a deal

The asking price far exceeds the €4M Trabzonspor paid last year. For a player who has not been an undisputed starter, the sum appears ambitious. Nice would need to sell assets to fund the project, which is not easy as the transfer window tightens. Moreover, the club must manage a goal‑difference of –23 (37 scored, 60 conceded) and a 44‑point gap with league leaders Paris Saint‑Germain.

What are the risks and benefits?

If Nice manages to sign Bouchouari, the midfielder would gain international experience and could bring fresh energy to a struggling squad. However, the financial risk is real: a player who has not shone in the Süper Lig may not meet Ligue 1 demands, especially in a team fighting to avoid relegation. The club must therefore weigh the cost against potential on‑field impact.

What happens next?

Trabzonspor has indicated openness to a departure this summer, leaving the door ajar for potential buyers. Nice, meanwhile, is monitoring the market and could trigger its option if necessary sales materialize. The next move will be decisive for the club’s trajectory, which hopes to turn the tide before season’s end.

In short, the prospect of an €8M payment for Bouchouari remains a bold hypothesis. Time will tell whether OGC Nice will take the plunge or seek other solutions to strengthen its midfield.