Fact File: Melvin Bard

Leeds United bolstered their defense with the signing of Melvin Bard from OGC Nice on Deadline Day. The 25-year-old left-back joins the Whites on an initial loan deal and could make his debut against Brighton and Hove Albion at the weekend. Bard has played in both of Nice's Ligue 1 matches this season, deployed on the left side of their back five.

Last season, he made 44 appearances across all competitions for Nice, scoring two goals, one of which came against his former club, Olympique Lyonnais. Bard progressed through the youth ranks at Lyon and made his senior debut for OL in 2019. During his two seasons at Lyon, Bard made 19 appearances in the first team. He also played 37 times in all competitions for Lyon in his first campaign, scoring twice and helping the team reach the Coupe de France final.

In the UEFA Europa League, Bard made 11 appearances, featuring in central defense and midfield. He was also selected for France's 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games squad. Bard has represented his country from Under-17 level through to the Under-21s, including three appearances against his new teammate, Ao Tanaka, at the 2021 Olympic Games.