Elye Wahi has touched down on the Côte d’Azur to complete a season-long loan move to OGC Nice from Eintracht Frankfurt. The forward arrived at Nice Airport late on Sunday night ahead of a medical examination that will finalise his return to the club. According to Nice-Matin, the agreement includes a €15 million buy option that would allow the Ligue 1 side to secure his services permanently next summer.
Crucial contribution last term
This marks Wahi’s second successive spell at the Allianz Riviera. The 22-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan from parent club RC Lens and proved pivotal in preserving Nice’s top-flight status. His decisive strike against AS Saint-Étienne in the promotion-relegation playoff secured the club’s place in Ligue 1, capping a productive temporary stint during which he became an important figure in the attack.
Despite his emotional connection to the squad and the supporters, a permanent transfer last summer proved impossible. Financial constraints at the French club prevented the inclusion of a purchase clause in the initial arrangement, forcing Wahi to join Eintracht Frankfurt instead. The Bundesliga outfit have now sanctioned another temporary departure, this time with the €15 million option inserted to facilitate a future transfer.
Manager’s attacking reinforcements
The arrival addresses a specific request from manager Olivier Pantaloni, who publicly signalled his desire for offensive reinforcements following Saturday’s goalless draw against FC Lorient. Speaking at a press conference attended by Get French Football News, Pantaloni stated he was “impatient to have a signing” in attack and intended to hold discussions with club officials to clarify the status of incoming deals. Wahi’s presence in Nice within hours of those comments suggests the negotiations progressed rapidly.
The Ivory Coast international, who has also represented Montpellier HSC, RC Lens and Olympique de Marseille earlier in his career, will bolster a forward line that has struggled for cutting edge in the early weeks of the campaign. Once the medical is concluded, he is expected to rejoin training immediately and could be available for selection for Nice’s next fixture.