Algerian midfielder Hicham Boudaoui is close to joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad after Nice and the Saudi side reached an initial agreement worth about €8m.
The 26-year-old has also approved the proposed move, according to French newspaper L’Equipe, leaving only one final step before the transfer can be completed.
The deal still requires approval from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the body responsible for authorising transfers of this nature. Once that permission is granted, Boudaoui will be able to undergo a medical ahead of signing his contract with Al-Ittihad.
The principal parties have already agreed the details of the transfer, meaning the move is now dependent on the final authorisation rather than further negotiations between the clubs or the player.
Boudaoui is set to end a seven-year spell with Nice, having joined the French club from Algerian side Paradou AC. During his time in France, he played in Ligue 1 and established himself as an important member of Nice’s midfield.
His departure would come with only one year remaining on his contract. That situation encouraged Nice to accept the offer and secure a transfer fee rather than wait until the player entered the final year of his agreement with the club.
Subject to the PIF’s approval, Boudaoui will then complete his medical before the transfer is formally announced. The move would give him the opportunity to begin a new chapter in the Saudi Pro League after seven seasons with Nice.
The agreement is therefore considered close to completion, with the Algerian midfielder waiting for the final green light before completing his switch to Al-Ittihad.
