Axel Witsel nears Nice deal after Laurent Abergel cruciate injury

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·16 August 2026

According to L'Équipe, Nice have reached an agreement with Axel Witsel for him to sign, with the move expected early this week.

The Belgian midfielder would cover for Laurent Abergel, who has suffered a cruciate ligament rupture.

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A week ago, the club were rocked when Abergel, their first summer recruit, sustained the injury that will rule him out for several months.

Nice had primarily been chasing a striker, but the setback forced them back into the market for midfield help.

That search has unfolded under persistently tight finances, and Witsel’s arrival would address the immediate need in the centre.

Source: L'Équipe

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