Trabzonspor are planning to part ways with midfielder Mahdi Camara Bouchouari. According to reports in the French press this week, the Süper Lig club is preparing to offload the 24-year-old to free up a foreign player slot.
As reported by Sporx, Bouchouari is said to be open to a return to France. Ligue 1 side OGC Nice have initiated contacts to take the player on loan. Bouchouari, who was signed from Saint-Étienne last summer for a €4 million fee, has failed to meet expectations. Unable to secure a place in manager Abdullah Avcı's plans, the player saw limited minutes during the pre-season training camp.
Why is Bouchouari being moved on?
The Trabzonspor board wants to utilize the foreign player quota efficiently. Süper Lig regulations allow for a limited number of foreign players in the squad. Bouchouari's departure will create the necessary space for the club to make a new foreign signing. A look at the current squad data on our squad page shows the number of foreign players is nearing the limit.
The player's statistics from last season support this decision. Bouchouari featured in only 12 Süper Lig matches, failing to register a single goal or assist. Struggling for game time, he mostly made appearances from the bench. This performance did not justify the club's investment.
What is the status of the Nice move?
According to French sports newspaper L'Équipe, Nice's management wants to add Bouchouari to their squad on loan. Preliminary talks between the two clubs are reported to have begun. Bouchouari is also said to be keen on playing in Ligue 1 again. The loan deal is expected to be structured without a purchase option.
Trabzonspor appear willing to cover a significant portion of the player's salary. This is a strategic move to ease the club's financial burden. Nice, meanwhile, are seeking an experienced alternative for midfielders injured mid-season. Bouchouari, as a player developed in France, knows the league well.
What will Trabzonspor's transfer strategy be?
Bouchouari's exit will create an opportunity for Trabzonspor to bring in a new foreign player. The club plans to reinforce, particularly in the attacking midfield or striker positions. Reports in recent weeks have linked them with several names. The management is evaluating options together with the transfer committee.
Data on our stats page shows the team needs support in goal production. Results from the early weeks of the season indicate a new face in the attack might be necessary. With the transfer window closing soon, Trabzonspor's activity is expected to increase.
How will this move affect the squad?
Bouchouari's departure means more opportunities for existing midfielders. Turkish players and other foreigners will find more chances for rotation. Manager Abdullah Avcı will gain the flexibility to set up his system more freely. This situation could positively affect competition within the team.
As visible on our standings page, every point is vital for Trabzonspor's league objectives. Balancing and optimizing the squad is seen as a critical step for end-of-season success. The board will finalize its decision regarding the player's future in the coming days. The transfer window closing on September 2nd is accelerating the process.
