Melvin Bard
LEE
LWB
Overlapping Full Back
Nov 6, 2000 (25)
Left
5'8"
143 lb
Leeds UnitedJoins Leeds United
Bard completed a season-long loan move from Nice to Leeds United on Tuesday. The deal also includes an option to make the transfer permanent.
Analysis: Bard will add another reliable presence on the left side of the Leeds defense, and if his performances are impressive enough, the Elland Road outfit has the option to sign him permanently at any point before the loan expires. Bard has been a regular starter at Nice in recent years, logging at least 24 appearances in each of the previous five seasons with the Eagles.
Trains fully, fit for new season
Bard (ankle) is training in full during preseason and is fully fit for the 2026/27 season with Nice under new coach Olivier Pantaloni, the club posted.
Analysis: Bard's clean bill of health is an encouraging sign after an ankle issue forced him off against Saint Etienne late last season. He was a consistent starter when available last year, contributing two goals and an assist while averaging 4.6 ball recoveries, 2.6 clearances and 1.8 tackles per game, and a fully healthy start to preseason under the new coaching staff positions him to regain that regular role at left back heading into the new campaign.
Forced off with injured ankle
Bard abandoned Friday's clash with Saint-Etienne due to an ankle issue, Flavien Tresarrieu of L'Equipe reports.
Analysis: Bard went down after taking an ugly tackle in the final minutes of the first half Friday, so he was unable to add to his lone chance created and four duels won. The left-back's injury will need to be assessed, but he'll benefit from a lengthy rest ahead of the next season kickoff. He was a consistent starter when available over the last year, recording two goals and an assist while averaging 4.6 ball recoveries, 2.6 clearances and 1.8 tackles per game.
Suspension served
Bard has served his one-match suspension and is no longer suspended, making him available for the Ligue 1 playoffs against Saint-Etienne starting on May 26.
Analysis: Bard had been forced to sit out the season finale against Metz after accumulating five yellow cards in French competitions, with Ali El Abdi covering in his absence. The left-back is an undisputed starter in Nice's back line and his return gives coach Claude Puel his preferred defensive setup back for what promises to be a crucial playoff series against Saint-Etienne with a place in next season's Ligue 1 on the line.
Will miss season finale
Bard is set to be suspended after accumulating five yellow cards in French competitions, the league announced.
Analysis: Bard picked up his fifth yellow card in French competitions and is now suspended for the season finale against Metz on May 17. The Aiglons' left-back has been an undisputed starter in the back line and his absence guarantees a shake-up in the starting XI, with Ali El Abdi expected to start in his spot against the Grenats.
Makes five interceptions vs Lens
Bard generated two crosses (zero accurate), five clearances and one tackle in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Lens. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 90th minute.
Analysis: Bard led Nice with a season-high five interceptions during the home draw. The left-back had a good defensive outing, making the second-most clearances for his side. He also received his fifth yellow card in the proccess, though.
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