Nice set sights on Burundian defender

OGC Nice are in the race to sign Ndayishimiye from Istanbul Basakeshir (Seskim Photo)

LIGUE 1 Nice set sights on Burundian defender

Ayoola Kelechi 23:23 - 15.01.2023

Nice have made a bid for Burundian defender Youssouf Ndayishimiye in a bid to bolster their defence

French club Nice have made an approach for Istanbul Basakeshir's Burundian defender Youssouf Ndayishimiye. 

Reports coming out of France suggest that Nice have made an official offer of around €9 million for the 24-year-old in a bid to lure him away from Turkey to the Alpes-Maritimes. 

Ndayishimiye would be a great signing for Nice

Ndayishimiye, who is naturally a centre-back but has also been deployed to great effect by Basakeshir, has been a critical part of the Istanbul team’s project this season. 

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He has started every Turkish Super Lig match that he has been available for, missing only one game through suspension and propelling Basakeshir to third position on the log behind only Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. 

He has also helped their cause with four goals in 17 appearances this season, which is quite impressive for a defender, and his ability to be a presence in the opposition box is something that Nice would be desperate to acquire. 

Nice face tough circumstances to sign Ndayishimiye

The 17-time Burundi International is top of Nice’s list of possible recruitments for their defence as they aim to restructure much of their team before the end of the January transfer window with astute signings. 

Ndayishimiye has been superb for Basakeshir helping their cause with four goals in 17 appearances

However, just like their pursuit of Lorient striker Terem Moffi, Nice’s attempts to sign Ndayishimiye could be frustrated by the selling club’s valuation of their player.

While Nice have offered €9 million for the Burundian defender, Basakeshir are prepared to hold out for a fee in the region of €13 million and have already rejected an approach from Lens which was worth €8m.