Burnley have emerged as contenders to sign Nice centre-back Kojo Peprah Oppong, with the Championship club monitoring the 22-year-old Ghanaian defender. The Clarets face competition from Turkish side Trabzonspor and an unnamed Ligue 1 club for the player’s signature, according to L’Equipe.
Oppong arrived at the Allianz Riviera only last summer for a fee below €3 million, yet he quickly established himself as a mainstay in the defence. Injuries to other players handed him an opportunity, and he responded by making 40 starts for Les Aiglons during the campaign. His consistent displays also earned him international recognition with Ghana, featuring in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Financial pressures at Nice
Despite Oppong’s rapid integration into the first team and his status as a regular starter, the French club may be forced to consider offers. Nice must generate €70 million through player sales and wage reductions before the transfer window closes to meet financial obligations. While the club ideally wish to retain the centre-back, the scale of their targets could necessitate sacrifices.
The defender’s market value has reportedly tripled since his arrival, reflecting his importance to the side. This sharp increase means any transfer would likely command a significant profit on the modest initial investment made by the INEOS-owned club.
Rival interest grows
Burnley are not alone in their admiration. Turkish outfit Trabzonspor have also registered interest, while a domestic French competitor remains in the hunt. The presence of multiple suitors could drive up the asking price, complicating negotiations for the Lancashire club as they look to bolster their defensive options for the season ahead.
For Oppong, a move to England would represent a significant step in his career after just one season in French football. The coming weeks will determine whether Burnley can convince the Ghanaian international to swap the south of France for Lancashire.