OGC Nice and FC Sevilla have agreed terms for the loan, with option to buy, of 24-year-old forward Rony Lopes. The talented Portugal international is Nice’s sixth signing of the summer.

Rony arrived on the Côte d’Azur on Tuesday and successfully underwent his medical before signing. He will meet his new teammates this Thursday, before being officially presented in a press conference at 12:30 CEST.

A familiar face to Ligue 1 fans, Rony Lopes – whose full name is Marcos Paulo Mesquita Lopes – emerged from the Manchester City youth academy where he played under Patrick Vieira. While coach of the Sky Blues’ U21 squad, the Nice coach handed Rony the captain’s armband. 

When he was just 17-years-old, the he joined Lille in the summer of 2014. He spent two seasons in the north of France (2014-15 and January 2016 to June 2017) and two seasons at Monaco (six months in 2015 and 2017-2019). A regular goal scorer with Les Dogues (12 goals, 9 assists in 72 matches), the left-footer was even more impressive on Le Rocher (21 goals and 14 assists in 82 appearances). He shined in the 2017-18 (15 goals, 7 assists), leading Monaco to second in the Ligue 1 standings. 

After a year in Spain, the playmaker arrives in Nice – the perfect setting for him to fulfil his creative potential. OGC Nice wishes him every success in his new colours.

Welcome to your new home, Rony!

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