Elye Wahi has publicly expressed his gratitude to OGC Nice following their successful Ligue 1 promotion playoff victory over Saint-Étienne, but indicated his loan spell from Eintracht Frankfurt is coming to an end. The forward scored twice in the 4-1 victory, securing Nice’s return to the French top flight, and was visibly emotional after the final whistle.
Wahi, who joined Nice on loan during the winter transfer window, stated that the club was “one of the only ones who gave me a chance” to perform. He thanked the president, staff, and teammates for a “very great season”, acknowledging a difficult period prior to his arrival, both at Eintracht Frankfurt and during a previous spell with Olympique de Marseille. The 21-year-old’s comments suggest he does not anticipate extending his stay with Les Aiglons.
The loan move to Nice proved pivotal for Wahi, who had struggled to establish himself as a regular starter in Frankfurt following his transfer from Montpellier in the summer of 2023. He had shown promise in Ligue 1 with Montpellier, scoring 19 goals in 37 appearances in the 2022-23 season, attracting the attention of Frankfurt. However, he failed to replicate that form in Germany, making only a handful of appearances.
Nice’s promotion is a significant boost for the club, and Wahi’s contribution was undeniably crucial. His two goals in the playoff final highlighted his attacking prowess and proved decisive in securing their return to Ligue 1. While his loan is set to expire, the club’s president, Jean-Pierre Rivère, has reportedly expressed discontent with Olympique de Marseille regarding a separate matter, though details remain scarce. The future of Wahi remains uncertain, with a return to Frankfurt the most likely outcome, though his recent form may attract interest from other clubs.
His departure will leave a void in Nice’s attack, but the club will hope to build on their promotion and establish themselves as a competitive force in Ligue 1. Wahi’s emotional farewell suggests a positive relationship with the club and its supporters, despite the temporary nature of his stay.
