Nice eye fresh start for Ngoumou while scouting Belgian veteran

OGC Nice are moving quickly in the summer market, aiming to give 26‑year‑old winger Nathan Ngoumou a fresh start while also targeting 37‑year‑old Belgian international Axel Witsel, according to reports published today. Club hopes Ngoumou will pass his medical on Monday and sees Witsel, who is free after 32 matches for Girona, as a replacement for midfielder Laurent Abergel.

Ngoumou's medical and contract

Ngoumou, a Cameroonian who was trained at Toulouse, is expected at Nice on Monday for a medical examination. He suffered an Achilles‑tendon rupture in April 2025 that kept him out of action until March of this year. The player wants to be released from the final year of his contract, while Borussia Mönchengladbach will retain 10% of any future sale.

Laurent Abergel, 33, followed coach Olivier Pantaloni from Lorient to Nice during the off‑season but suffered a serious knee injury in the summer preparation. The injury has left Nice eager to find a replacement in the market.

Axel Witsel, 37, is a free agent after completing a season at Girona where he featured in 32 matches. The former Borussia Dortmund and Atlético Madrid midfielder brings extensive experience and is being considered as a senior option for the squad.

Witsel also featured in two matches for Belgium at the World Cup 2026 this summer under manager Rudi Garcia. His recent international exposure adds to his appeal for the French club.

Following the acquisition of Gauthier Hein, Nice have accelerated another offensive recruitment file, signalling a proactive approach in the transfer window.