OM: Bilal Nadir, the pleasant surprise at the start of the season

Who would have bet on Bilal Nadir at the start of pre-season? Not many, let’s be honest. Invisible in the friendlies, left out of the first call-up in Brittany… we all thought the kid would be warming the bench again, maybe even shipped out on loan before the window closed. And yet, he took advantage of the absences (Rabiot, Rowe, Paixao, Harit, Kondogbia) to finally show his face against Paris FC. Did you see his cameo? Impeccable: 100% of duels won, 100% dribbles completed, 100% of his tackles… Admit it, it feels good to see a homegrown kid shine like that!

A statement game… and then what?

So, just a flash in the pan or a real turning point for Nadir? We’re all tempted to get carried away after such a tidy performance, especially with that assist for Aubameyang and the inspired back-heel on Højbjerg’s goal. But let’s be clear: midfield is fiercely competitive at OM. Angel Gomes is staking a claim as a starter, Højbjerg is still finding his feet, Kondogbia is somewhere between the treatment room and doubt, Harit is hit-and-miss… And in the market, there’s still talk of Ismaël Bennacer or a Brazilian we haven’t really seen play. What does that mean for Nadir? He’ll have to back it up—and then some—if he wants to force his way into De Zerbi’s rotation.

Contract extension, status, and future: what do we think?

Nadir is under contract until 2026, and after his serious knee injury, the board doesn’t seem in a hurry to reopen extension talks. But according to La Provence, a new deal could be discussed after the window closes. Good idea or bad? We all know OM doesn’t get sentimental with contracts: with a year left, a decision has to be made. But given the attitude Bilal has shown (“I want to stay at OM, I’m fully integrated”), you can tell he’s attached to the club. What if we bet on him for the long haul, to send a message to the other academy kids? Or will the competition end up holding him back… You be the judge!

The midfield puzzle: what are De Zerbi’s options?

What do you think? Should Nadir be started more often and we back youth, or stay cautious and go all-in on a Bennacer-type signing? With the window closing in, the midfield question is still a real headache. We know nothing is set in stone and everything can change in a few hours at OM. Personally, I’d say we might just have our surprise package of the season. But nothing will be handed to him, especially in a squad where competition is fierce.

Tell us in the comments: Bilal Nadir, potential starter or luxury super-sub? Extension or loan to consider? Let’s talk it over among ourselves, like at the Vél’ bar after the match!