Elye Wahi has completed a season-long loan move to OGC Nice from Eintracht Frankfurt, with the French club securing a buy option that was not included in his previous temporary arrangement. The 23-year-old Ivory Coast international arrived on Sunday to an enthusiastic reception from supporters at the airport, marking the start of his second stint with the Ligue 1 side in less than a year.
‘Love at first sight’
Wahi, who spent the second half of last season on loan at the Allianz Riviera, described his bond with the club in effusive terms. “It was love at first sight,” he said, comparing his immediate affection for Nice to instant attraction. The forward admitted he did not expect the crowd that awaited him upon landing, recalling his surprise when he heard unusual noises while in the airport toilet. “I was thinking, ‘What is that?'” he explained. Upon returning, he spotted “two or three familiar faces” and immediately understood that fans had gathered to welcome him back.
The move materialised despite appearing unlikely at the start of the summer transfer window. Wahi revealed he remained confident throughout the process, continuing to train as negotiations progressed. His January arrival had come as he sought to revive his career following a difficult period; now returning as a figure expected to bolster the attack, he acknowledged the shift in expectations. “I know I’ll be expected to perform,” he stated, accepting the responsibility that comes with his elevated status. However, he emphasised collective objectives over personal glory after Nice narrowly avoided relegation last term.
Top 10 target
The striker has set a clear goal for the campaign ahead. “Finishing in the top 10, I think, would be a successful season given what we went through last season,” Wahi said. He stressed the importance of looking forward rather than dwelling on the previous campaign’s struggles, noting that remaining in Ligue 1 was the crucial achievement. Nice began their season with a draw at the weekend, and Wahi observed positive signs despite failing to secure victory. “Unfortunately, we didn’t win. But I think we did some very good things, particularly collectively in our build-up play,” he noted.
Future on hold
Although the agreement contains a buy clause that could make the transfer permanent, Wahi is concentrating solely on the immediate future. “For now, there are these nine months,” he remarked, indicating that decisions about a long-term stay will wait until the season unfolds. The Ivory Coast international will hope to establish himself quickly as Nice seek to build momentum and climb the table.