Brighton & Hove Albion and Watford made attempts to sign OGC Nice’s Hicham Boudaoui in the winter market.
That’s at least what Africa Foot are reporting. The Algeria international moved to Europe when the Ligue 1 side signed him from Paradou AC in 2019.
He took time to settle in France and started featuring regularly for Nice from the 2020/21 season. To put it in context, the midfielder has played 194 matches so far and managed 14 goals and 15 assists.
His performances for the French club have helped him cement a place in the national team and even represent them at AFCON.
Brighton and Watford interest
Last month, Sport Witness covered claims from France of Fabian Hürzeler’s side wanting to sign the 26-year-old.
His stellar performances at AFCON had caught the Seagulls’ attention, but there was no mention of the Championship side.
Africa Foot recently covered Galatasaray’s failure to sign the Nice star in the last window.
A fresh report from the same outlet explains the Turkish club weren’t alone as Brighton and the Hornets also failed.
Seagulls and Hornets submitted offers
Africa Foot state the Algerian received ‘concrete offers’ from Galatasaray, Brighton and Watford towards the end of the winter market.
It’s not clear whether Brighton and Watford submitted proposals to Nice, the player or both, and even their details aren’t mentioned. However, the report insists their proposals do indicate of a ‘growing interest’ in the player.
The Istanbul club were the most insistent and their offer was to sign him on loan until the end of the season. Galatasaray were willing to cover his full salary and even included a €15m purchase option.
Africa Foot make no mention of why Brighton, Watford or Galatasaray were unable to take Boudaoui away from Nice.
Boudaoui has a contract until 2027, and the French club have a make a decision on his future. In case of a sale, the outlet say he represents a ‘significant asset for Nice, who will be looking to maximise any potential transfer fee.’
This would provide Brighton and Watford a new opportunity to sign him in the summer.