In the final hours of the transfer window, Monaco is negotiating to sign Nice's 26-year-old midfielder Hicham Boudaoui, who was initially expected to join Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. The Algerian international has 36 caps for his country and could move to Monaco as a 'joker' on a loan deal that includes an option to buy. If the transfer is completed, Boudaoui would first extend his contract with Nice by one season before his departure. He joined Nice in September 2019 and is under contract until 2027. His current market value is estimated by Transfermarkt at €12 million. The deal with Al-Ittihad was reportedly agreed for around €8 million in August 2026. Other clubs recently linked with the player include Villarreal and Aston Villa.