Elye Wahi arrives in Nice to complete loan return from Eintracht Frankfurt

Ivory Coast international Elye Wahi has arrived in Nice ahead of a loan move from Eintracht Frankfurt, returning to the French club where he played a key role in their fight to remain in Ligue 1 last season.

Wahi landed at Nice Airport late on Sunday, where supporters gathered to welcome the forward ahead of his medical.

The 23-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Nice and became an important figure in their battle for top-flight survival.

Goals helped secure Nice’s Ligue 1 status

Wahi’s goals proved decisive towards the end of the campaign, including a strike in the promotion-relegation play-off against Saint-Étienne that helped Nice retain their place in France’s top division.

Following the match, the former Montpellier, Lens and Marseille forward gave an emotional interview in which he expressed his gratitude towards the club.

Nice had initially been unable to include a purchase option in his previous loan because of their financial situation.

However, the club have now reached an agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt for another temporary move.

€15m option included

This time, Wahi’s loan is understood to include an option to buy worth €15m, according to Nice-Matin.

The forward is expected to undergo his medical before completing the return to the Allianz Riviera.

The move also comes shortly after Nice coach Olivier Pantaloni called for an attacking reinforcement following Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Lorient.

Speaking at a press conference attended by Get French Football News, Pantaloni said he was “impatient to have a signing” in attack.

He added that he would speak with the club’s superiors to establish the status of potential deals.

Just hours later, Wahi arrived on the Côte d’Azur and is now expected to complete his return.

For the Ivory Coast international, the move provides another opportunity to build on a spell that already made him a popular figure among Nice supporters.