Ghana defender Alidu Seidu joins Nice on loan from Rennes

Ghana international Alidu Seidu has joined Nice on a season-long loan from Stade Rennais after the club activated Ligue 1’s ‘joker’ provision.

The 26-year-old completed the move on Friday, September 18 and will stay with Nice until the end of the 2026/27 season. The agreement does not contain an option to buy.

Nice were permitted to recruit Seidu after injuries to defenders Antoine Mendy and Moise Bombito. Although the French transfer window closed on September 1, the ‘joker’ rule allows clubs to sign a player outside the usual window in certain circumstances.

Seidu was identified as Nice’s preferred defensive target because of his ability to play in several positions and his experience in Ligue 1. He has made 106 appearances in the competition for Clermont Foot and Rennes.

The Ghanaian can operate as a right-back, right wing-back or centre-back. Nice sporting director Roger Ricort highlighted that versatility after the transfer, while the club also emphasised Seidu’s experience of playing at two World Cups with Ghana.

The move ends a challenging spell at Rennes, where Seidu had been expected to leave during the summer transfer window. Marseille, Strasbourg and Hull City were among the clubs linked with the defender.

Several offers were turned down as Rennes and Seidu failed to agree on his next destination. During that period, he spent time training away from the first-team group.

He later returned to full training with the Rennes squad and was named in Franck Haise’s travelling party for the Europa League match against Sturm Graz on September 16.

Seidu did not play in Austria, remaining an unused substitute as Rennes drew 0-0.

His return to the squad came only days before his departure for Nice. He will now attempt to revive his season and establish himself as a regular first-team player at his new club.

Seidu has won 25 caps for Ghana and appeared at the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups. However, he was not included in the most recent squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

At Nice, he will have the opportunity to play a regular role for the remainder of the season, while continuing his club career in France.