Ghana’s Salis Abdul Samed completes move to OGC Nice

Ghana international Salis Abdul Samed has completed a move to French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice in the ongoing summer transfer window.

The 25-year-old midfielder has signed a three-year contract after passing his medical, joining from fellow Ligue 1 club RC Lens.

Samed spent last season on loan at English Championship outfit Sunderland, where he struggled with injuries and was limited to just 11 appearances.

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Despite the setbacks, he played a part in helping Sunderland secure promotion to the Premier League, but was not retained and returned to Lens at the end of the campaign.

With no future at Lens, Samed became a priority target for Nice, who are looking to strengthen their midfield after a disappointing Champions League qualifier against Benfica.

The former Clermont Foot player had previously been relegated from Lens’ first team before his loan spell in England.

“We were looking for dynamism, impact, and good energy in midfield,” explained Florian Maurice, Sporting Director of Nice. “Salis is a balanced player, with a slightly more defensive profile than his direct competitors. He is fully committed on the pitch, has a real personality, and his knowledge of Ligue 1 as well as his human qualities will be able to contribute to communication and a positive dynamic in the locker room.”

Samed, who started all of Ghana’s matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and has made 91 appearances in the French top flight, expressed his excitement at the move: “I am happy to join Nice, an ambitious and European club. I am also happy to be reunited with the coach. I will give everything to help the team and make the fans proud.”

RC Lens are expected to benefit from a sell-on clause, earning a percentage from any future transfer involving the Ghanaian midfielder.