Laurent Abergel has completed a move to OGC Nice after his contract with FC Lorient was terminated, the clubs confirmed. The 33-year-old midfielder has signed a three-year deal with the Côte d'Azur club, keeping him at Nice until 2027. The transfer comes as Nice look to rebuild their squad following a season where they secured their Ligue 1 status through play-off victories against Saint-Étienne.
Abergel arrived at Lorient in 2019 and went on to make 233 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals and providing 14 assists. During his time with Lorient, he won two Ligue 2 titles, in 2020 and 2025. He quickly became a key figure for the Brittany-based side, demonstrating consistency and leadership in midfield.
In a statement released by Lorient, Abergel expressed his gratitude for his seven years at the club, stating he had given everything to achieve the best possible results. He also voiced his disappointment at the departure of former Lorient manager Olivier Pantaloni, whom he had served under for a significant period.
Notably, Abergel will be reunited with Pantaloni at Nice, as the coach joined the club in mid-June. This connection is believed to be a key factor in Abergel’s decision to move to the Allianz Riviera. The appointment of Pantaloni signals a clear intent from Nice to undergo a significant overhaul, and Abergel represents the first major addition under the new manager.
The arrival of Abergel provides Nice with an experienced and proven Ligue 1 midfielder, bolstering their options in the center of the park. His leadership qualities and familiarity with Pantaloni’s tactical approach should allow him to integrate quickly and contribute to Nice’s ambition to establish themselves as a consistent top-half team.
