Elye Wahi open to Nice return as club explore permanent transfer

OGC Nice are working on a deal to keep Elye Wahi after his successful loan spell, with the striker reportedly keen to return to the French Riviera.

Wahi joined Nice from Eintracht Frankfurt for the second half of the 2025-26 season and could now make a more permanent return to the club. According to Nice-Matin, the 23-year-old would be receptive to continuing his career with the Ligue 1 side.

Nice are seeking another loan agreement, but this time with an option to buy included. The club’s hierarchy have identified Wahi as a priority target as they look to strengthen their attacking options during the summer transfer window.

The Ivorian forward made a positive impression during his time with Les Aiglons and played an important role in helping the club retain their Ligue 1 status. He scored several significant goals towards the end of the campaign, including a decisive brace in the second leg of the play-off against Saint-Etienne.

That contribution has encouraged Nice to pursue an agreement which would allow Wahi to remain with a team and in an environment he already knows. The club hope to complete the operation before the end of the week.

The main difficulty is reaching an agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt. The German club are understood to be willing to let the former Lens player leave, but the structure of any deal has yet to be settled.

Nice would prefer to secure a further temporary move, while Eintracht Frankfurt may favour a permanent transfer. The Bundesliga club have nevertheless lowered their demands and would reportedly be prepared to sanction Wahi’s departure for about 10m euros.

The two clubs must also determine how the striker’s wages will be covered. Wahi remains under contract with Eintracht Frankfurt until 2030 and is valued at 18m euros by Transfermarkt.

His future therefore remains unresolved, with negotiations needed before any agreement can be finalised. For Nice, the priority is to retain an attacking player who has already adapted to the club and its surroundings. A deal before the end of the week would give the club greater certainty ahead of the new Ligue 1 campaign.

Nice are due to begin their French league season against Lorient. Betting company 1xbet lists Nice as 2.15 favourites for victory, with a draw priced at 3.45 and a Lorient win at 3.20.