Nimes midfielder Benezet signs for Evian

File Photo: Nicolas Benezet (L)

Highly-regarded attacking midfielder Nicolas Benezet has joined French Cup finalists Evian for 1.5 million euros from Ligue 2 side Nimes, the player told the France Football website on Monday.

Benezet, 22, who scored nine goals and laid on a further eight last season, said he signed a four-year contract.

“I hesitated for a long time between Sochaux and Evian, but my preference was for Evian,” he said.

“I said to myself that I shouldn’t go against my first instinct.”

While Benezet said he had signed last week, Evian, who lost 3-2 to Bordeaux in the French Cup final last season, have yet to confirm the news.