Moroccan Footballer Hamza Koutoune joins OGC Nice

On Wednesday, OGC Nice officially announced the signing of 18-year-old Moroccan right-back Hamza Koutoune, who joins from the Académie Mohammed VI. Following an eight-week trial in November and December, Koutoune has committed to a three-and-a-half-year contract with the club. He has already begun training with his new teammates this week.

Koutoune, a Moroccan Under-20 international, shares a history with Abdelhamid Aït-Boudlal, a central defender also trained at the Mohammed VI Football Academy and currently with Stade Rennais. While Aït-Boudlal has not yet made his professional debut, his impressive performances with the reserves have led to a call-up to Walid Regragui's Atlas Lions squad.

Known for his versatility, Koutoune is capable of playing both on the flank and on the right side of the field, and is particularly noted for his crossing ability. «The Mohammed VI Academy provided me with excellent training, and I am thrilled to join OGC Nice, a club that places great trust in young players. I come with a strong desire to learn», he expressed.