United unable to sign Boudaoui until closing day; Nice is fully owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS
Manchester United are tracking Nice’s Hicham Boudaoui as a potential signing to bolster their midfield options, with the club exploring some cost-effective options this summer.
Boudaoui has honed his craft in Ligue 1 and is considered one of the league’s top holding midfielders. Stats among 49 midfielders in his position ranked him first for sprinting speed, fourth in accelerations, and sixth in high-intensity distance covered.
United are said to be keen on adding that kind of athletic and dynamic profile to their squad. The club had a scout present at Sweden’s friendly against Algeria last week to monitor Boudaoui, according to The Sun.
Nice reportedly want around £20 million for the player, but any move by United would face complications due to multi-club ownership rules. With both United and Nice owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS, an agreement made with UEFA last year prevents transfers between the clubs until September 2025.
As a result, the only opportunity for a deal this summer would be on 1 September, the very final day of the transfer window, which has a 7pm deadline.
Some other clubs in the Premier League, Spain and Germany are also said to be monitoring Boudaoui’s situation.
