Eintracht Frankfurt have agreed to send striker Elye Wahi back to OGC Nice on loan, with the Ligue 1 side holding an €18 million option to make the move permanent. Sky Germany reports that the deal is poised for completion after the clubs finalised terms, allowing the French forward to return to the Côte d’Azur just six months after leaving for the Bundesliga.
Wahi previously spent the second half of last season on loan at Nice, but the German club opted to trigger his €26 million release clause from Olympique Marseille in January 2025. The arrangement proved short-lived, with the striker managing just one goal in 25 appearances for Frankfurt.
Contrasting Fortunes
The statistics illustrate Wahi’s dramatic change in fortune between the two leagues. During his temporary spell with Nice last season, he scored nine times in 19 appearances, establishing himself as a reliable attacking threat. However, the subsequent permanent switch to Frankfurt yielded only one goal across all competitions.
This sharp decline in productivity prompted both clubs to negotiate a return to familiar surroundings. Nice will hope to reignite the form that made Wahi a valuable asset during his earlier stint, while Frankfurt look to cut their losses on a player who failed to adapt to German football.
Financial Considerations
The proposed deal represents a significant potential loss for Eintracht Frankfurt. Having invested €26 million in the winter transfer window, the Bundesliga outfit now face the prospect of recouping only €18 million should Nice activate the purchase clause. This €8 million differential reflects how rapidly Wahi’s value has depreciated during his brief time in Germany.
The loan structure allows Nice to strengthen their attack without immediate financial outlay, while giving Wahi the opportunity to rebuild his reputation in a league where he has previously thrived. For Frankfurt, the departure frees squad space as they seek attacking reinforcements who can succeed where the Frenchman struggled.
Next Steps
The transfer is expected to be concluded swiftly, with Wahi set to undergo medical examinations before rejoining the Nice squad. The striker will be eager to rediscover his scoring touch and potentially earn a permanent return to the club where he enjoyed his most productive period.
Frankfurt, meanwhile, will monitor developments closely. A successful season on the Mediterranean could see Nice trigger the buy option, though the German club would still record a substantial loss on their January investment.