OGC Nice face a complex summer decision over the future of on-loan striker Elye Wahi, whose impactful spell has been crucial to the club's push for European qualification and a Coupe de France final. The 23-year-old Ivorian international, borrowed from Eintracht Frankfurt in January, has scored seven goals in 15 appearances, including a vital late equaliser against Marseille last weekend and a double in the cup semi-final against Strasbourg. His contributions have directly bolstered Nice's league position, where they hold a five-point cushion over the playoff spot, and their run to the final against Lens on May 22nd.
According to L'Équipe, Nice secured the loan by covering approximately 200,000 euros of Wahi's 340,000 euro monthly gross salary, a deal that has proven successful for all parties. However, the agreement does not include an option to buy, leaving Nice with limited avenues to retain the player beyond this season. The club's vice-president, Maurice Cohen, confirmed the desire to keep Wahi but admitted discussions are on hold until the club's own future is clearer, particularly regarding its budget and managerial direction.
The primary obstacle is financial. Frankfurt is unlikely to sell for less than the 26 million euros they paid Montpellier for Wahi fifteen months ago, a figure beyond Nice's current means as they aim to reduce their wage bill. This makes a renewed loan the most plausible option from Nice's perspective, a scenario Cohen hinted at. Yet, this path is fraught with complications. Wahi's impending participation in the World Cup with Ivoryria offers a global showcase, potentially increasing his value and attracting other suitors.
For Frankfurt, Wahi's successful revival in Ligue 1 presents them with a strategic choice: reintegrate a now-confident player into their own squad, sell him at a profit, or loan him out again. Nice will hope his strong form continues over the final four matches of the season, strengthening their case for another temporary deal. Wahi himself remained non-committal in mid-April, stating only that he currently belongs to Frankfurt. His immediate impact, following an ankle injury that sidelined him shortly after his arrival, has nonetheless made him a central figure in Nice's late-season ambitions and their most pressing transfer dilemma.
