Alidu Seidu is open to a move to Nice as negotiations continue over a possible ‘joker’ transfer from Rennes, a source close to the player has confirmed to Footy-Africa.
The Ghana international has been frozen out at Rennes and is no longer training with the first team. Instead, Seidu is training at home while waiting for a solution to his situation.
His representative has confirmed that talks with Nice are ongoing, with a loan move currently the most likely outcome.
“Alidu is open to the possibility of joining Nice. He just wants to play,” the source told Footy-Africa. “He is focused on finding a solution that will allow him to play regularly again. The priority is football and getting back on the pitch.”
The 26-year-old attracted interest from Marseille and Strasbourg during the transfer window. Strasbourg reached an agreement on personal terms with Seidu but could not meet Rennes’ €10 million valuation.
Seidu was pushing for a move on deadline day, but no agreement was reached before the French transfer window closed on September 1.
Nice have now emerged as a possible destination through France’s ‘joker’ rule, which allows Ligue 1 clubs to recruit a player from another French club after the transfer window has closed under certain conditions.
Marseille make offer for Ghana defender Alidu Seidu as Rennes talks stall
Nice became eligible to explore the option after defender Antoine Mendy suffered an ACL injury during last weekend’s draw against Le Mans.
The Côte d’Azur club have made Seidu a priority target and are waiting for their budget to be validated by owners INEOS before making a formal move.
A loan deal with an option to buy could be negotiated between Nice and Rennes.
“Nothing has been agreed yet, but the discussions are progressing,” the source said.
Seidu’s contract with Rennes runs until 2029, but his current situation has left him without a pathway to first-team football.
A move to Nice would allow the Ghana international to remain in Ligue 1 while giving him an opportunity to revive his season and return to regular competitive football.
