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.