Missed opportunity for Sevilla with Axel Witsel

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23/08/26 19:30:00

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Axel Witsel, a 37-year-old Belgian midfielder, has signed with Nice after being approached by Sevilla in this transfer window. The player joins the French team on a free transfer for one season, with an option to extend his contract for an additional year.

The possibility of returning to LaLiga was ruled out when Witsel decided to honor the commitment he had previously made with the French club. Sevilla had inquired about his situation when the move to Nice was in progress, but the player chose to respect the agreement and continue his career in Ligue 1.

🚨 Axel Witsel signs with OGC Nice!

The 37-year-old Belgian midfielder joins Les Aiglons for a season, with the option for an additional year.

“It's a pleasure to join OGC Nice.

When the club officials and the coach called me, I knew I was coming.

I arrive with… pic.twitter.com/mb921sEdcF

— beIN SPORTS Español (@ESbeINSPORTS) August 18, 2026

Axel Witsel Chooses Nice Despite Sevilla's Interest

Sevilla's move came during the final stages of discussions between Axel Witsel and Nice. The Andalusian club considered the opportunity of adding a player who could perform both in midfield and defensive positions without a transfer fee.

However, the contact did not alter the Belgian's destination. Witsel had already progressed with the French club's management and had also spoken with the coach, a factor that solidified his decision before undergoing the medical examination and finalizing the deal.

The contract allows the player to stay in France until 2027 if the second year included in the agreement is exercised. The deal does not involve a transfer fee as Witsel had completed his spell at Girona, where he played during the 2025/26 season.

The decision also closes the door on staying in LaLiga, where the Belgian spent four consecutive seasons between Atlético de Madrid and Girona. Before joining Montilivi, he spent three campaigns at the Madrid club, being utilized as both a midfielder and a center-back.

Sevilla Must Seek Another Opportunity in the Market

Sevilla loses an alternative that had a specific financial advantage: Axel Witsel could join as a free agent. The absence of a transfer could concentrate the operation's cost on the player's salary and signing bonus.

His addition would have provided a solution for multiple positions. In his recent career in Spain, Witsel alternated between midfield and defense, making him attractive in a market limited by available resources for new signings.

Nice, on the other hand, has secured his arrival. The player stated, after the deal was made official, that discussions with the sporting director and coaching staff were crucial in choosing the French project and that he is eager to immediately make himself available to his new team.

For Witsel, this marks a change of leagues after four seasons in Spain. His journey includes previous spells at Standard de Lieja, Benfica, Zenit, Tianjin Quanjian, and Borussia Dortmund, before joining Atlético in 2022 and subsequently Girona.

With Axel Witsel committed to Nice for one season with an optional additional year, the pathway is definitively closed for Sevilla. The Andalusian club will need to focus on other alternatives in the market if they intend to add another player to their midfield.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Oportunidad perdida del Sevilla con Axel Witsel