The French Riviera club OGC Nice has experienced a dramatic transformation in 2025, with significant squad changes and tactical adaptations under manager Franck Haise. Currently sitting 12th in Ligue 1 after a challenging start to the season, Nice’s player roster tells a fascinating story of ambition, adaptation, and evolving identity.
Recent Squad Overhaul Shapes New Identity
Nice underwent substantial changes during the 2025 summer transfer window, investing €27.68 million in new signings whilst generating significant revenue from player sales. The club’s approach has been characterised by targeting young, high-potential players rather than established stars, reflecting both financial pragmatism and long-term vision.
The most notable departure was striker Evann Guessand, who joined Aston Villa for €30 million after an impressive 12-goal Ligue 1 campaign. This sale, alongside the departure of goalkeeper Marcin Bulka to Saudi Arabian side Neom SC for over €15 million, provided the financial foundation for Nice’s recruitment strategy.
Key summer arrivals include Swedish winger Isak Jansson from Rapid Vienna for €10 million, Spanish striker Kevin Carlos from FC Basel for €6 million, and goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf from Reims. The club also secured young defenders Juma Bah on loan from Manchester City and Kojo Peprah Oppong from IFK Norrköping, both thrust into starting roles earlier than anticipated due to defensive injuries.
Tactical Evolution Under Franck Haise
Manager Franck Haise has implemented a flexible tactical system that primarily utilises a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, with the ability to shift into a back three when facing stronger opposition. This tactical versatility has become central to Nice’s identity under the former RC Lens coach.
Haise’s philosophy centres on controlled pragmatism rather than possession-dominant football. Nice are comfortable without the ball, often inviting pressure before exploiting space through quick, vertical transitions. This approach proved effective against top-tier opposition, most notably in their stunning 3-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes.
The tactical setup emphasises defensive compactness and intelligent pressing triggers. Rather than committing to an all-out high press, Nice wait for specific cues such as poor touches or square passes before engaging. This conservative approach reduces exposure whilst maintaining the ability to win possession in dangerous areas.
Current Squad Analysis by Position
Goalkeepers
Yehvann Diouf has emerged as Nice’s number one following Bulka’s departure. The 25-year-old Senegalese international brings Ligue 1 experience from his time at Reims and has made five appearances this season, conceding nine goals. Polish goalkeeper Bartosz Zelazowski and veteran Maxime Dupé provide backup options.
Defensive Options
The defensive unit has faced significant injury challenges this season. Dante, the 41-year-old Brazilian veteran and club captain, remains a key figure despite his advancing years and recent knee problems. His experience proves invaluable, though managing his fitness has become a weekly concern for Haise.
Melvin Bard continues as the first-choice left-back, whilst Jonathan Clauss operates on the right flank. The centre-back positions have been bolstered by young additions Juma Bah and Kojo Peprah Oppong, who have been pressed into service due to injuries to more established players.
Moïse Bombito, the Canadian international centre-back, has missed significant time due to a stress fracture but is expected to return to training after the September international break. His return will provide much-needed depth and quality to Nice’s defensive options.
Midfield Dynamics
The midfield has undergone considerable restructuring. Hicham Boudaoui remains central to Nice’s plans, leading the team in assists with two in five appearances. The Algerian international provides the creative spark from deeper positions and has been one of Nice’s most consistent performers.
Charles Vanhoutte arrived from Union Saint-Gilloise for €18.51 million and has quickly established himself in the starting XI. The Belgian midfielder brings technical quality and experience from his time in the Jupiler Pro League.
Tanguy Ndombele adds Premier League experience to the squad, though his impact has been limited by fitness concerns. Morgan Sanson provides additional depth, whilst young prospects Gabin Bernardeau and Djibril Coulibaly represent the future.
Attacking Arsenal
Nice’s forward line combines experience with emerging talent. Jérémie Boga has been the standout performer, joint-leading the team’s scoring charts with two goals in five league appearances. The Ivorian winger’s pace and one-on-one ability make him crucial to Haise’s transitional approach.
Terem Moffi shares the goalscoring burden, also netting twice in five matches. The Nigerian striker’s physical presence and finishing ability provide Nice with a focal point in attack.
Mohamed-Ali Cho represents one of Nice’s most promising young talents. The 21-year-old French forward, who previously played for Real Sociedad, has shown glimpses of his potential despite limited opportunities this season. His versatility and technical ability make him an important squad option.
Swedish winger Isak Jansson brings pace and creativity from wide positions, whilst Kevin Carlos offers a different profile as a central striker option. Sofiane Diop provides additional attacking midfield flexibility with his ability to operate in multiple positions.
Injury Concerns and Squad Depth
Nice has faced significant injury challenges that have tested squad depth. Key players including Morgan Sanson, Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Mohamed Abdelmonem, and captain Dante have all spent time on the sidelines. These absences have forced Haise to utilise inexperienced young players in crucial matches, including their Champions League qualifying defeat to Benfica.
The injury list has been particularly problematic in defence, where Youssouf Ndayishimiye and Mohamed Abdelmonem have suffered cruciate ligament injuries that rule them out for extended periods. These setbacks have increased reliance on new signings Juma Bah and Kojo Peprah Oppong, who have been thrust into first-team action sooner than planned.
Performance Analysis and Statistics
Nice’s early season form has been inconsistent, with the team collecting six points from five Ligue 1 matches. They have scored six goals whilst conceding nine, highlighting both attacking limitations and defensive vulnerabilities.
Jérémie Boga and Terem Moffi lead the scoring charts with two goals each, whilst Hicham Boudaoui and Tom Louchet share the assists lead with two apiece. These statistics reflect Nice’s reliance on key individuals rather than distributed goal contributions across the squad.
The team’s defensive record shows room for improvement compared to their excellent form in the previous campaign. Nice currently concede 1.8 goals per match whilst scoring just 1.2, indicating both ends of the pitch require attention.
European Ambitions and Reality Check
Nice’s elimination from Champions League qualifying by Benfica provided a reality check about their current level. The 2-0 aggregate defeat highlighted the gap between Nice’s aspirations and their current squad quality, particularly when facing established European competition.
However, their return to the Europa League offers another opportunity to establish themselves on the continental stage. Nice will face AS Roma in their opening Europa League fixture, followed by challenging away trips to Fenerbahçe and Celta Vigo.
Youth Development and Future Planning
Nice’s commitment to youth development is evident in their recent squad additions. Gabin Bernardeau from Le Mans and academy graduates Bartosz Żelazowski and Djibril Coulibaly have been integrated into the senior setup. This approach aligns with the club’s long-term development strategy under INEOS ownership.
The focus on young, high-potential players reflects both financial constraints and a belief in developing talent rather than purchasing ready-made solutions. This philosophy has worked well for clubs like Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League, providing a sustainable model for competing at higher levels.
Tactical Flexibility and Adaptation
Haise’s tactical approach has shown the flexibility to adapt to different opponents and situations. Against stronger teams, Nice employs a more conservative 3-4-2-1 formation that prioritises defensive stability. This tactical chameleon approach allows the team to remain competitive against superior opposition whilst exploiting opportunities on the counter-attack.
The emphasis on positional rotations in wide areas creates confusion for opposing defences whilst opening passing lanes. Full-backs, wingers, and central midfielders interchange fluidly, making Nice difficult to mark consistently throughout matches.
Leadership and Experience
Despite the influx of young talent, Nice still relies heavily on experienced figures. Dante’s leadership remains crucial, even as the 41-year-old manages his fitness carefully in what he has announced will be his final season. His record of approximately 213 Ligue 1 appearances for Nice demonstrates his importance to the club’s recent history.
Jonathan Clauss brings Premier League experience from his time with various English clubs, whilst Morgan Sanson adds midfield nous and technical quality. These experienced heads provide stability and guidance for the younger players adapting to first-team football.
Connection to English Football
Several Nice players have strong connections to English football, making them targets for potential future moves. Jean-Clair Todibo completed a loan move to West Ham United with an obligation to buy, highlighting the pathway between Nice and the Premier League. This connection, partly facilitated by INEOS ownership of both Nice and Manchester United, creates interesting transfer dynamics.
Mohamed-Ali Cho’s development path, which included time in England’s youth systems before moves to Angers, Real Sociedad, and Nice, exemplifies the modern player journey across multiple leagues. His story resonates with UK audiences familiar with the complexities of international youth development.
Looking Ahead
Nice faces a crucial period in defining their identity and ambitions for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. The combination of young talent and experienced leadership provides a foundation for improvement, but consistency remains the primary challenge.
The Europa League campaign offers an opportunity to demonstrate progress on the continental stage, whilst domestic form needs to improve to secure European qualification for next season. With Haise recently signing a contract extension until 2029, there is stability in the coaching setup despite early season struggles.
The club’s transfer strategy of investing in young, high-potential players whilst maintaining financial discipline appears sound for long-term sustainability. However, short-term results will determine whether this approach satisfies supporters’ expectations and European ambitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are OGC Nice’s key players for the 2025-26 season?
The standout performers include Jérémie Boga and Terem Moffi as joint-leading scorers with two goals each, whilst Hicham Boudaoui leads in assists. Goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf has established himself as number one following Marcin Bulka’s departure to Saudi Arabia.
2. What tactical system does Franck Haise use at Nice?
Haise primarily employs a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation with flexibility to shift into a back three against stronger opposition. The system emphasises controlled pragmatism, defensive compactness, and quick vertical transitions rather than possession-dominant football.
3. How much did Nice spend in the 2025 summer transfer window?
Nice invested €27.68 million in new signings, focusing on young, high-potential players rather than established stars. Key arrivals included Isak Jansson (€10m), Kevin Carlos (€6m), and goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf from Reims.
4. Which Nice players have moved to the Premier League?
Jean-Clair Todibo completed a loan move to West Ham United with an obligation to buy after the Hammers secured Premier League survival. The defender’s move highlights the pathway between Nice and English football, partly facilitated by INEOS connections.
5. What are Nice’s European competition prospects this season?
After elimination from Champions League qualifying by Benfica, Nice will compete in the Europa League. They face AS Roma in their opening fixture before challenging away trips to Fenerbahçe and Celta Vigo, offering opportunities to establish themselves on the continental stage.
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