OGC Nice near agreement to sign Ali Abdi on ‘joker’ transfer | OneFootball

Foot Mercato understands that OGC Nice are nearing an agreement with SM Caen to sign Tunisia international Ali Abdi (30), despite the recent closure of the transfer window.

Nice look set to join Jordan Lotomba in the coming hours, as confirmed by Franck Haise. The Swiss international is nearing a move to Feyenoord, with the transfer window in the Netherlands not yet shut. It leaves Le Gym light on options at left-back, with little cover for Melvin Bard. Billal Brahimi, a winger by trade, does have the capacity to fill in, however, Haise made it clear that, should Lotomba leave, as looks likely, he would like a replacement.

That replacement looks likely to be Caen’s Abdi. Rules in France that one ‘joker’ signing can be made outside the transfer window, should certain conditions be met. Losing a player on a permanent transfer outside of the transfer window certainly meets the criteria that would allow Nice to dip back into the market.

Foot Mercato understands that Nice have almost reached an agreement with Kylian Mbappé-owned Caen. Should Lotomba complete his move, Haise should quickly have a replacement at his disposal.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle