Gaëtan Laborde, the 31-year-old forward from OGC Nice, is reportedly on the verge of joining Saudi Arabian club Al-Diraiyah FC. The transfer fee for the player is estimated to be between €4 million and €5 million.
Al-Diraiyah FC currently competes in the Saudi First Division League, which is the second tier of professional football in Saudi Arabia.
Laborde`s career began at FC Girondins de Bordeaux, followed by early loan periods at Red Star FC, Stade Brestois 29, and Clermont Foot 63. He then had permanent spells with Montpellier Hérault SC and Stade Rennais FC before making his move to Nice in September 2022. During his tenure at Nice, he made a total of 118 appearances, scoring 33 goals. In the recent 2024–25 campaign, Laborde was a key contributor, netting 11 Ligue 1 goals and providing four assists, helping his club secure a fourth-place finish.
His departure signals a significant restructuring of Nice`s attacking lineup for the upcoming season. The club has already confirmed the acquisition of Isak Jansson, and there is speculation that both Jérémie Boga and Evann Guessand may also depart during the summer transfer window.
