Nice In Talks Over Move for 27-year-old Crystal Palace Forward | OneFootball

Nice Step Up Pursuit of Crystal Palace Striker Odsonne Edouard

OGC Nice are working to strengthen their forward line and have turned their attention to the Premier League. Foot Mercato reports that “Indeed, Nice has been making inroads with Crystal Palace in recent days regarding Odsonne Edouard (27 years old). The Frenchman, who already turned down Girona this summer, wants to join the Aiglons.”

Edouard, who has previously represented Paris Saint-Germain and Toulouse FC, would bring valuable Ligue 1 experience to Franck Haise’s side. Having spent the last three years at Crystal Palace, the striker’s Premier League pedigree is well established, but the chance to return to France appears to appeal strongly.

French Roots and Ligue 1 Experience

Born in Kourou, French Guiana, Edouard joined PSG’s youth system before making his name at Celtic, where he became one of the Scottish Premiership’s most prolific forwards. His return to France with Nice would not only reunite him with Ligue 1 football but also allow him to slot into a system where his blend of strength, movement and finishing could flourish.

Photo: IMAGO

His knowledge of French football could ease his transition and offer Nice a proven option to lead the line. For a team competing near the top of Ligue 1, his ability to contribute goals immediately would be a key selling point.

Transfer Market Strategy

While Nice are reportedly exploring the Italian market with interest in Inter’s Mehdi Taremi, their focus on Edouard shows a willingness to invest in attacking quality with top-flight experience. His rejection of Girona earlier this summer suggests he is selective about his next move, prioritising both the level of competition and the club’s ambitions.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, may weigh up whether to cash in on a player entering the final stages of his contract cycle, particularly if Oliver Glasner has other forward options ready to step in. Nice’s ongoing dialogue with the London club signals serious intent, but no fee has yet been agreed.

Photo: IMAGO

Potential Impact at Nice

If the deal is completed, Edouard would arrive as a player familiar with the demands of top-tier football, capable of leading the attack in domestic and European fixtures. His combination of physical presence and technical skill could add variety to Nice’s attacking options, while also providing a clinical edge in front of goal.

For Edouard, this would represent a return to the country where his career began and an opportunity to re-establish himself as a consistent goalscorer in Ligue 1. For Nice, it could be the decisive signing to maintain momentum in a competitive season.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Edouard’s potential departure will divide opinion among Palace fans. While some supporters appreciate his work rate and flashes of quality, others have questioned his consistency in front of goal. Selling him could provide funds to strengthen other areas, particularly if Palace secure a solid replacement quickly.

For Nice supporters, the move would be seen as a strong statement of intent. Landing a forward with Premier League experience and Ligue 1 familiarity could significantly boost their attacking threat. Fans would expect him to adapt quickly and contribute goals immediately, especially given his experience across multiple leagues.

This transfer also reflects Nice’s broader ambition to compete for European places while maintaining a balance between proven performers and emerging talent. For both sets of fans, the key question will be whether the deal benefits their club’s long-term ambitions, and whether Edouard can deliver consistently at the highest level.