Nice ‘examining’ the possibility of selling Youcef Atal | OneFootball

OGC Nice are exploring the possibility of transferring Algerian international right-back Youcef Atal (27)whilst the transfer windows of certain countries remain open, reports L’Équipe.

Nice’s sporting director Florent Ghisolofi announced in Friday’s press conference that the defender wouldn’t be in the squad for Sunday’s top of the table encounter at Stade Brestois 29 ( 4:05pm GMT) even though his internal suspension has been lifted:

In Europe, the Austrian (February 6), Turkish (February 9), Swiss (February 15) and Russian (February 22) markets remain open, as well as the UAE (February 21) in the Middle East .

In January, Atal was found guilty of provoking racial hatred and handed an eight-month suspended prison sentence, as well as a €45,000 fine.

In October, Atal shared a video from Palestinian preacher Mahmoud al-Hasanat, who asked God to “send Jewish people a dark day.” The video, shared on Atal’s Instagram, was quickly deleted by the Algerian international. Amidst the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, Atal’s post garnered criticism, notably from the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, who said that unless he “denounces Hamas terrorists, he no longer has a place at [OGC Nice].”

Despite apologising for the post and having served his seven-game club suspension, it seems that the player’s time at La Gym could be coming to an end. Indeed, he hasn’t featured in a matchday squad since the ban and has just returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Algeria, enjoying a few days rest following their group-stage elimination last week.

Nice coach Francesco Farioli confirmed that new signing Valentin Rosier (27) will be in the squad for Sunday’s game, perhaps pointing to a possible exit for Atal given that the Frenchman also plays at right-back.

According to Turkish Journalist Yunus Emre Sel, Turkish Superlig outfit Trabszonspor are interested in the Algerian. Whatever happens, all signs point to an exit for him.

GFFN | Jack McArdle