OGC Nice Nears Signing of Axel Witsel on One-Year Deal
OGC Nice is close to finalizing the signing of seasoned Belgium international midfielder Axel Witsel, aged 37, as reported by L’Equipe. Witsel has been a free agent since leaving La Liga club Girona FC, where his contract ended. He participated in Rudi Garcia’s Belgium squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing considerable experience to the table.
Reports indicate that Nice and Witsel have agreed to a one-year contract, which includes the option for an additional year. There is a possibility that Witsel could arrive in Nice as soon as Monday to complete a medical examination.
The need for a defensive-minded midfielder arose after Nice lost Laurent Abergel for several months due to a torn ACL sustained during a friendly preseason match against Cagliari last week. The club also considered Nantes’ Johann Lepenant as a potential addition to cover the midfield gap.
Les Aiglons are set to launch their Ligue 1 season on Saturday with a match against Alexandre Dujeux’s Lorient.
OGC Nice are on the verge of securing the signing of experienced Belgium international midfielder Axel Witsel (37), according to L’Equipe. The former Borussia Dortmund and Atlético de Madrid midfielder was a free agent since the expiry of his contract with La Liga side Girona FC. Witsel was part of Rudi Garcia’s Belgium squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Nice and Witsel have reportedly reached an agreement over a one-year contract, with a further year in option. Witsel could even land in Nice on Monday to undergo a medical.
Olivier Pantaloni’s Nice were in dire need of a defensive-minded midfielder after losing Laurent Abergel for several months. The former FC Lorient cult hero unfortunately tore his right ACL last week during a friendly preseason game against Cagliari. Nantes’ Johann Lepenant was also considered by the INEOS-owned Ligue 1 side. Les Aiglons will host Alexandre Dujeux’s Lorient to kickstart their Ligue 1 campaign on Saturday.
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