Monaco could sign OGC Nice’s Hicham Boudaoui in ‘joker’ deal | OneFootball

AS Monaco have had a difficult transfer deadline day. Their plans were predicated upon Folarin Balogun completing a move to Everton. A fee had been agreed, as had personal terms, however, RMC Sport have revealed that the USMNT forward has failed his medical. Filipe Luís had said that the former Arsenal man was not at full fitness, having played part of the FIFA World Cup with a niggle.

A deal may still be done, but his failure to complete a move to Merseyside earlier has compromised a deal to sign Erik Lira. The Mexican had been a midfield target throughout the window, however, Balogun occupies one of the four non-EU spots in the squad. As a result, his arrival could not be completed without Balogun completing a move to Everton.

The Principality club are now considering other midfield options. The issue is that the transfer window in France has now closed. Rules in France allow a player to be signed from another French club as part of a ‘joker’ deal. It is this loophole that Monaco could exploit by signing OGC Nice midfielder Hicham Boudaoui, L’Équipe reports. The Algerian could join on a loan deal with a purchase option, the publication added.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle