Official | Montpellier defender Nicolas Cozza joins Wolfsburg | OneFootball

Wolfsburg have announced the signing of Montpellier defender Nicolas Cozza (24) on a four-and-a-half year deal for a reported €500k fee. The former U21 French international has left his formative club amid tensions with MHSC president Laurent Nicollin. Cozza, grandson of first-ever Montpellier skipper Jean-Louis Besson, rejected a contract extension last summer and wanted a way out. Montpellier had no choice but to cash in on him this winter transfer window rather than letting him go on a free this summer, when his contract was due to expire. A versatile defender, able to play centre-back or left-back, Cozza played seventeen Ligue 1 games this season, scoring two goals and registering one assist.

Coincidentally, Cozza is set to replace former Montpellier man Jérôme Roussillon at Wolfsburg with the latter signing for Union Berlin this January. “Nicolas is a player who has made great progress in recent years,” said Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schäfer. “He has a good basic tactical understanding and is known for producing high-quality football, which he delivers on a consistent basis despite his young age. We’re looking forward to having a versatile and promising player who will enhance our team.” Cozza will wear the #8 jersey with Bundesliga’s seventh-placed outfit. Two days ago, Wolfsburg humbled Hertha Berlin 5-0 in the German capital for Bundesliga gameweek 17.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval