Leeds Agree Loan Deal with Nice for Defender Melvin Bard, with Nkounkou Lined Up as Replacement

OGC Nice and Leeds United have reached an agreement regarding the transfer of left-back Melvin Bard, according to reports from L’Équipe.

Transfer Terms and Financial Structure

According to L’Équipe, the agreement between OGC Nice and Leeds United is centered on a paid loan fee valued at 1 million euros. The transaction also includes an option for the English club to make the transfer permanent for 5 million euros. The move follows intense interest from the English Championship side, which competed directly with fellow Premier League contenders West Ham United to secure the defender’s signature.

Impact on the OGC Nice Squad and Replacement Plans

The impending departure of Melvin Bard has triggered immediate movement within the Nice squad. Reports from L’Équipe indicate that the arrival of left-back Niels Nkounkou from Eintracht Francfort is considered all but finalized. Nice officials deliberately tied Nkounkou’s incoming arrangement to the successful exit of Bard, ensuring continuity on the left side of the defense. During his tenure at Nice following his arrival from Olympique Lyonnais in the summer of 2021, Bard amassed 193 appearances across all competitions while remaining contracted to the Riviera club through June 2028.

Next Steps and Deadline Approaching

With the transfer window reaching its final hours, both clubs are working to finalize the administrative paperwork necessary to complete the loan arrangement. Neither OGC Nice nor Leeds United has issued an official club statement confirming the transfer at this stage, as final terms continue to be processed.