Hicham Boudaoui could remain in Ligue 1 while leaving OGC Nice, with AS Monaco still considering a move for the Algeria midfielder after the end of France’s summer transfer window.
According to L’Equipe, Monaco are exploring the possibility of signing the 26-year-old as a “joker”, a status that allows French clubs to complete certain domestic deals after the main transfer window has closed. The prospect of a move to the Principality therefore remains open.
Monaco examined several midfield options during the final hours of the window but have continued to assess Boudaoui as they look to strengthen in that area of the squad.
The player had appeared close to joining Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad. Nice and Al Ittihad reached an agreement worth about €8m, but the transfer ultimately failed to go through.
Boudaoui has been with Nice since 2019 and has built up considerable experience in the French top flight. He has also won 36 caps for Algeria, giving him an established international profile alongside his knowledge of Ligue 1.
That combination could appeal to Monaco, who may view his experience and midfield qualities as a way to add further options to their squad. The club can still pursue the deal using the joker provision despite the closure of the main French market.
The Algeria international is under contract at Nice until 30 June 2027. His estimated market value is €12m, while his reported annual salary is €290,000, equivalent to 188,500,000 FCFA.
For now, Boudaoui remains a Nice player. The failed move to Al Ittihad means Monaco’s interest has taken on greater significance, although there is no indication that an agreement between the player and the Principality club has been reached.
Nice’s next fixture is against Le Mans in the third round of the French championship. Betting company 1xbet lists Nice as favourites for the match, with the club priced at 1.69 to win. A draw is offered at 3.60, while a Le Mans victory is priced at 4.50.
The match comes as Boudaoui’s future remains unresolved, with the midfielder potentially able to continue his career in Ligue 1 at a different club even after the standard transfer deadline.