OGC Nice weren’t opposed to Jordan Lotomba (25) leaving the club this summer, although the timing left a little to be desired. The Switzerland international joined Feyenoord in a deal reportedly worth around €5m on Monday, three days after the closure of the transfer window in France.
As a result, Le Gym’s prospects of finding a replacement were limited. However, rules do stipulate that a purchase, from the domestic market, can be made under certain circumstances. Nice therefore dipped back into the market in order to find a back-up left-back. It is Melvin Bard who is the uncontested starter in that position this season.
Tunisia international Ali Abdi (30) was quickly identified as the key target by Florian Maurice, and even before Lotomba’s departure, an agreement was met with Ligue 2 side SM Caen for his transfer. The completion of Lotomba’s move allowed Nice to then officialise Ali Abdi’s arrival on a “joker” transfer. He has been named Ligue 2’s best left-back in the past two seasons.
