OGC Nice make Elye Wahi top transfer target after impressive loan spell

French Ligue 1 side Nice are reportedly keen to bring back Ivorian striker Elye Wahi after being impressed by his performances during his loan spell at the club last season.

The 23-year-old forward joined Nice on loan from German Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt and quickly made an impact during his time on the French Riviera.

Wahi finished his spell with seven goals and one assist, playing an important role as Nice secured their Ligue 1 survival.

Although his temporary move officially came to an end in June, Nice are now looking to find a way to make his stay permanent. The club’s management have reportedly identified the Ivorian international as their top priority for the current summer transfer window.

According to reports, Nice have already started discussions with Wahi’s representatives as they seek to determine whether the striker would be open to returning to the club on a permanent basis.

The French side are understood to be focusing first on reaching an agreement with the player over personal terms before approaching Eintracht Frankfurt with a formal proposal.

No official offer has been submitted to the Bundesliga club at this stage, meaning negotiations remain at an early stage.

However, Nice’s interest could eventually lead to Wahi making a permanent return to a league where he is already familiar with the demands of top-flight football.

The Ivorian striker began his senior career in France with Montpellier before moving to Lens, where he further established himself as one of the country’s promising young forwards.

He subsequently joined Marseille before leaving France for Germany in 2024, when he signed for Eintracht Frankfurt.

His successful loan spell at Nice appears to have revived his career in France, with the club now determined to explore the possibility of bringing him back on a permanent transfer.

Wahi remains under contract with Eintracht Frankfurt until June 2030, giving the German club a strong negotiating position should Nice submit an offer for his services.

For Nice, securing the Ivorian striker could provide continuity in attack, particularly after his contribution to the club’s successful battle against relegation last season.

For Wahi, a permanent return to Nice could offer him the opportunity to continue playing regularly in Ligue 1 and build on the momentum he generated during his loan spell.

The coming weeks are therefore expected to be crucial, with Nice first looking to convince the player before beginning formal negotiations with Eintracht Frankfurt over a potential permanent transfer.