OGC Nice Forward Kevin Carlos Turns Down Preston North End as Future Remains Uncertain Amid Summer Squad Overhaul
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OGC Nice striker Kevin Carlos has reportedly rejected an approach from English Championship side Preston North End, choosing not to pursue a move to England despite growing uncertainty surrounding his future on the French Riviera. The Spanish forward has also turned down interest from Turkish club Samsunspor, leaving his next destination unresolved as Nice continue their ambitious summer restructuring.
The 25-year-old finds himself at the center of an increasingly important transfer story as OGC Nice seek to reshape their squad ahead of the new Ligue 1 campaign. Club officials are believed to be actively reducing the wage bill while generating transfer income that can be reinvested into strengthening several key positions.
Kevin Carlos arrived at Nice last summer from Swiss side FC Basel in a deal worth around €6 million. At the time, the transfer was viewed as an exciting opportunity for both player and club. Carlos had impressed with his physical presence, movement inside the penalty area, and finishing ability in Switzerland, leading many supporters to believe he could become an important figure in Nice’s attack.
However, his first season in France proved far more challenging than anticipated.
The Spaniard struggled to adapt to the pace and physical demands of Ligue 1. Despite making 23 league appearances, Carlos failed to score a single Ligue 1 goal, a disappointing statistic for a striker brought in to strengthen Nice’s frontline. His only two goals during the campaign came in the UEFA Europa League, where he showed occasional glimpses of the quality that convinced Nice to sign him.
Those performances, however, were not enough to secure a regular starting place or convince the coaching staff that he could become the club’s long-term solution in attack.
As preparations for the 2026/27 season continue, Nice are now actively exploring opportunities to move several players on.
Club executives reportedly believe player sales will provide the financial flexibility required to strengthen other areas of the squad. Several departures are expected before the transfer window closes, with Kevin Carlos among the players available for transfer.
Reports indicate that Preston North End recently made an initial approach to understand the possibility of bringing the striker to England. The Championship club is searching for attacking reinforcements capable of adding experience and physicality to its squad.
Despite the interest, Kevin Carlos is said to have declined the opportunity.
The reasons behind his decision have not been officially confirmed, although it is believed the Spanish forward prefers to continue playing either in one of Europe’s top-flight leagues or at a club competing regularly in European competitions.
Carlos has also reportedly rejected Turkish side Samsunspor, who had expressed serious interest in signing him this summer.
Turning down two clubs in quick succession suggests the striker remains selective about the next stage of his career. Rather than rushing into a transfer, he appears willing to wait for an opportunity that better matches his sporting ambitions.
For OGC Nice, the situation creates both opportunity and frustration.
While the club remains confident there is interest in Carlos across Europe, every rejected proposal delays their efforts to balance finances and complete incoming transfers.
The Riviera club has been one of Ligue 1’s busiest teams behind the scenes this summer as management works to reshape the squad.
Kevin Carlos is not the only forward facing an uncertain future.
Nigerian international Terem Moffi is also expected to leave following a loan spell at FC Porto during the second half of last season. Nice have reportedly been searching for permanent solutions regarding his future as they continue to restructure their attacking department.
Meanwhile, Mohamed-Ali Cho continues to attract strong transfer speculation. The French attacker has been linked with a possible move to local rivals AS Monaco, a transfer that would undoubtedly attract significant attention if completed.
Should Cho depart alongside Carlos and potentially Moffi, Nice could undergo one of the biggest attacking rebuilds in Ligue 1 this summer.
Such changes would almost certainly require multiple new arrivals before the transfer deadline.
Despite his disappointing debut campaign, Kevin Carlos still possesses qualities that could attract clubs across Europe.
At 25 years old, he remains within the prime years of his career. His strength, aerial ability, and experience gained in Spain, Switzerland, European competition, and Ligue 1 mean many clubs may still view him as a player capable of rediscovering his best form in a different environment.
Football history is filled with examples of strikers who struggled during their first season before thriving elsewhere.
Whether Carlos follows that path remains to be seen.
For now, the Spanish striker continues training with OGC Nice while awaiting developments in the transfer market.
Interest from additional clubs could emerge over the coming weeks, particularly as teams across Europe finalize preseason preparations and assess their attacking options.
Nice, meanwhile, remain focused on completing departures that will allow the club to pursue its own recruitment plans.
The coming weeks could therefore prove decisive—not only for Kevin Carlos’ career but also for OGC Nice’s ambitions heading into the new Ligue 1 season.
Although Preston North End and Samsunspor have already seen their approaches rejected, the transfer window is still open, and circumstances can change rapidly.
Unless another suitable offer arrives that satisfies both player and club, Kevin Carlos could begin the new campaign wearing the OGC Nice shirt once again.
However, with Nice determined to reshape their squad and the striker searching for the right sporting project, a transfer before the close of the summer window still appears the most likely outcome.
For now, both parties remain patient, knowing that the right opportunity could still emerge before the transfer deadline arrives.
