Nice sporting director confirms Terem Moffi exit imminent

Terem Moffi’s time at Nice appears to be drawing to a close after sporting director Roger Ricort confirmed the Nigerian striker is expected to leave the Ligue 1 outfit on a permanent transfer before the end of the summer window.

The 27-year-old has returned to the French club after an underwhelming loan spell at Portuguese giants FC Porto, who decided against activating the €8 million purchase option included in the agreement.

Although Moffi has resumed pre-season training with Nice, the club have made it clear that he is no longer part of their long-term plans.

Fall from favour after turbulent season

Moffi’s future at Nice became increasingly uncertain after he dropped down the club’s attacking hierarchy before spending the second half of last season on loan in Portugal.

His relationship with the club deteriorated further following an incident involving angry supporters after Nice’s defeat to Lorient last November, with the Nigerian subsequently pushing for a move away.

Porto offered the striker an opportunity to revive his career, but the former Lorient forward failed to do enough to convince the Portuguese champions to make the switch permanent.

With the buy option left untouched, Moffi returned to the Allianz Riviera, where his future has now effectively been settled.

Nice make transfer stance crystal clear

Ricort admitted the club are actively working towards finding Moffi a new destination, insisting the forward will not feature for Nice again.

“He is on the list of players we want to leave. He will surely be transferred elsewhere.”

The sporting director also acknowledged the delicate situation surrounding the striker’s relationship with the club’s supporters.

“We don’t necessarily respect the man but we will respect the player. At the moment, he knows he won’t be able to play for Nice anymore either.”

Ricort added that allowing Moffi back into the team would send the wrong message to the fans, while stressing the club would continue to handle his departure professionally.

“I think that would show a lack of respect to our supporters, but so long as he is here, we will try and be proper with him and his agents. When he finds a club, we will shake hands and wish each other good luck.”