Marseille eye attractive Boudaoui option as Højbjerg replacement

Olympique de Marseille are actively scouting Hicham Boudaoui as a potential replacement for Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, with the Algerian midfielder still under contract at Nice until June 2027. The club says the move could gain momentum if Højbjerg departs, and no formal offer has yet been made.

OM remains busy behind the scenes as the summer market continues, and the club says it is already working on several options to anticipate its next moves.

Boudaoui emerges as a target

According to Foot Mercato, the profile of the OGC Nice midfielder would be appreciated by the Olympique direction. Pour now, the interest could especially increase should Højbjerg leave the squad. No offer has been transmitted by OM to its neighbour on the Côte d’Azur.

Boudaoui is still under contract with the Gym until June 2027, but the club does not consider him untouchable. A sufficiently interesting proposal could convince the Nice board to open the door to a departure.

Nice chase explosive Algerian striker Mohamed Amoura as deal nears

Financial and competing interests

The situation could evolve quickly if the Ciel et Blanc manage to unlock further financial room through a new sale. Villarreal is also monitoring the 25‑year‑old midfielder and could compete with Marseille for his signature.

Nice have already begun to anticipate a possible exit for Boudaoui. After the arrival of Axel Witsel, the Aiglons are reportedly looking at Johann Lepenant from FC Nantes as a replacement.

Looking ahead

It remains to be seen whether this attractive Boudaoui pathway will materialise in the coming weeks, as both clubs weigh their options and financial constraints.