Hicham Boudaoui is close to ending his seven-year spell with OGC Nice, with the Algeria midfielder reportedly in advanced talks over a move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
The 26-year-old is also on course to leave European football, with the transfer window in the Big Five leagues due to close in exactly one week, on 1 September.
Boudaoui has agreed with OGC Nice’s directors that he has reached the end of a cycle at the club and needs a new challenge, according to L’Equipe. His current contract runs until 30 June 2027, meaning he has one year remaining on his deal.
The midfielder was not included in OGC Nice’s squad for the opening Ligue 1 match of the season, a 0-0 draw with Lorient last Saturday. He trained separately from the main group on Tuesday.
According to L’Equipe, with the report subsequently corroborated by Foot Mercato, negotiations between OGC Nice and Al-Ittihad have reached an advanced stage. The clubs are understood to be confident that an agreement can be reached for Boudaoui to continue his career in Saudi Arabia.
A move to Al-Ittihad would see Boudaoui link up with fellow Algeria international Houssem Aouar. The pair already play together at international level and represented Algeria at the 2026 World Cup.
Aouar, formerly of Olympique Lyonnais, has started his third season with Al-Ittihad, who are known as the Yellow and Black. Boudaoui would therefore join a familiar team-mate if the proposed transfer is completed.
Boudaoui joined OGC Nice in 2019 from his boyhood club Paradou AC. Since arriving in France, he has established himself as a regular member of the Nice midfield and has made 207 appearances for the club in all competitions.
He has scored 14 goals and provided 12 assists during his time with OGC Nice. The 2025-26 campaign was another productive season in terms of appearances, with the Algeria international featuring in 32 matches, scoring once and supplying two assists.
Boudaoui has won 36 caps for Algeria. His potential departure would bring an end to a significant period in his career, although no final agreement has yet been confirmed between OGC Nice and Al-Ittihad.
With the European transfer deadline approaching, the next few days are expected to determine whether the midfielder begins a new chapter in the Saudi Pro League or remains at OGC Nice for the final year of his contract.
