Nice agree Leeds loan for Melvin Bard with buy option

Nice has moved to clear the way for a deal involving Melvin Bard. As reported by L'Équipe, the French club accepted Leeds’ proposal for a loan with an option to buy for the left-back.

The timing matters. The same source explains that Nice’s push for the near-completed arrival of Niels Nkounkou was conditional on Bard leaving in the final hours of the transfer window.

Deal that unlocks Nkounkou

Bard, a 25-year-old left-back, had opportunities in England. West Ham and Leeds were the most active clubs, and both submitted offers to Nice as negotiations gathered pace.

Per the terms outlined by L'Équipe, it’s a €1m paid loan, with a buy option valued at €5m. Bard remains under contract with Nice until June 2028, so this is not an immediate permanent sale—but it does put his first move abroad very close.

From Lyon to Leeds’ project

Bard joined Nice in summer 2021 from his training club Lyon. Since then, he has played 193 matches across all competitions for the Aiglons.

With the clubs’ agreement now reached, the next steps are the formalities and how quickly Leeds can integrate him into their plans for the season.