Renewed contract for Boudaoui with Nice until 2026 showcases his potential as a future cornerstone at the club.
The transfer of star forward Abdoulaye Doumbia to Nice from Arsenal in January 2019 was a landmark move that saw Boudaoui move upmarket and cement himself as one of the best players in France's top-flight league. Since then, he has been a key figure in the team, scoring 47 goals in 88 appearances across all competitions.
However, the situation could not have been worse for Boudaoui. He had a turbulent start to the season with injuries and inconsistent form, which left him struggling to make an impact at the club. However, the new manager, Mathieu Flamini, did not give up on him and made some bold moves to try and find success.
One such move involved signing former Monaco player Thierry Henry, who was impressed by Boudaoui's performances and offered him a two-year deal. The move was seen as a chance for Boudaoui to prove himself as a top-tier talent, but it also meant that he would be competing with the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Antoine Griezmann for first-choice spots.
Despite the challenges, Boudaoui showed early signs of what he could become. In his debut season, he scored 11 goals in 25 appearances, including a hat-trick against Ligue 1 rivals Nancy before being loaned out to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for the rest of the season.
The move to PSG proved to be a turning point for Boudaoui. His performance there was exceptional, and he quickly became a regular starter under coach Thierry Henry. He added further depth to the squad, helping the club to win the Coupe de la Ligue and reach the final of the Europa League.
In May 2020, Boudaoui signed a three-year deal with Nice, making him the highest-paid forward in French football. His continued development under Mathieu Flamini is likely to see him continue to contribute to the team, as he continues to excel both on and off the pitch.
Overall, Boudaoui's renewed contract with Nice represents a positive sign for the club and for the future of football in France. With the right management and support, he has the potential to become a key player for the club, contributing significantly to their success both on and off the pitch.