Nice have completed the signing of Algeria Under-23 defender Abdelhak Ben Idder from Paradou, making the 19-year-old their seventh arrival of the summer transfer window.
The French club confirmed the move on Tuesday, announcing that Ben Idder had agreed a five-year contract. The centre-back joins after a strong season with Paradou, during which he made 25 appearances, including 22 in Algeria’s top division.
A fee of about €300,000 was paid to complete the transfer, according to French-based outlet Foot Mercato. The figure reflects the financial limits under which Nice are operating as they continue to strengthen their squad.
Ben Idder’s arrival follows the club’s recent decision to bring in several players across different areas of the team. Nice’s other summer signings are Gauthier Hein, Nathan Ngoumou, Laurent Abergel, Axel Witsel, Mohamed Amoura and Elye Wahi.
The club described Ben Idder as a promising central defender whose latest campaign provided a solid foundation for the next stage of his career. His 25-match season included regular involvement in the first division, with 22 of those appearances coming at the highest domestic level.
The move also adds another Algerian player to Nice’s squad. The club recently announced the signing of Mohamed Amoura from German side Wolfsburg on loan, meaning Ben Idder’s arrival comes shortly after that agreement.
Nice formally presented the defender as a player joining “Le Gym”, the club’s familiar nickname. The announcement highlighted both his age and his status as an Algeria Under-23 international.
The five-year deal represents a long-term commitment from Nice, who have chosen to invest in the young defender despite operating with limited resources. The reported €300,000 fee makes Ben Idder one of the latest additions to a busy summer recruitment programme.
His move from Paradou gives him the opportunity to continue his development in France after establishing himself in Algeria’s top flight. He now joins a Nice squad that has also been reinforced by experienced players such as Witsel, alongside younger arrivals including Ngoumou, Amoura and Wahi.
Nice’s confirmation of the transfer completes their seventh summer signing and extends the club’s activity in the window. Ben Idder’s five-year contract underlines the expectation that he can develop into a long-term defensive option, while his recent record with Paradou offers the French club an indication of his current level.
