OGC Nice is delighted to announce that 17-year-old Nassim Laarej has signed his first professional contract with the club.

Born in Nice, the midfielder has spent his entire youth career at Le Gym, which he joined in 2017. At international level, Laarej has distinguished himself with France’s U17s, while he has also been one of the key players in the Nice squad that has shone in the Coupe Gambardella this season.

By signing this first pro deal, the technically gifted and hard-working player is set to continue his progression with Les Rouge et Noir, having been rewarded for his dedication and his performances with the club’s youth teams. “Signing my first professional contract here is an important step, but it’s only the start,” Laarej confided. “I’ve grown up with the club and know what it represents, and I want to establish myself at the highest level with Le Gym. I’m going to give everything in order to improve, to climb through the ranks and to achieve my aims.”

President Jean-Pierre Rivère and Vice-President Maurice Cohen said the following: “Nassim signing this contract is a reward for the work that he has done throughout his youth career. It’s always satisfying to see an academy player reach this milestone and commit themself to the club’s project.”

Sporting director Florian Maurice had this to say: “Nassim has stood out thanks to his consistency and his high personal standards. His profile as a player is one that’s in the making, with decent attributes and a mindset that fits well into the club’s project.”

Academy director Julien Sablé added this: “Nassim has steadily progressed since joining the club’s pre-academy and has shown a real ability to take on board the requirements of the elite level. His growth is the fruit of his day-to-day work and his solid understanding of the demands of professional football.”

“I’m very happy and very proud right now,” admitted the captain of OGC Nice’s U19s. “Becoming professional had been an aim of mine since I was little. The academy has given me a lot, and I’m aware that this is just one step. I’d like to thank the club, my youth coaches, my family and everyone who has supported me, and I now want to keep working hard in order to reach the highest level and to repay the faith that the club has put in me.”

Laarej’s decision to put pen to paper confirms Le Gym’s desire to draw upon its academy and to accompany its talented young players on their journey towards the highest level.

The club would therefore like to wish Nassim all the best with Les Rouge et Noir.

---