The INEOS project is entering its second season at OGC Nice, and the ambitions are enormous. Indeed, the British group did not hesitate to spend a significant amount of money this summer to strengthen Patrick Vieira’s squad. As a result, the expectations are numerous, and Patrick Vieira will be very closely watched…
The world of football can be cruel at times, but when investors or club owners invest considerable amounts of money, returns on investment are inevitably expected. For OGC Nice, the INEOS project significantly gained momentum this summer as the group bought the club on the last day of the summer transfer window last year. If Nice notably signed Kasper Dolberg on that day for around fifteen million euros, and Alexis Claude-Maurice for 10 million euros, the true first summer transfer window took place this summer.
And the Aiglons have been particularly active. Indeed, nine players joined the first team’s ranks for this new season, marked by a place in the Europa League. The largest transfer is Robson Bambu, a promising 22-year-old Brazilian central defender, acquired for 8 million euros. Arriving from Athletico Paranaense, the young Brazilian represents the future and the perfect replacement for veteran Dante, who will turn 37 in just a few days. Amine Gouiri (20 years old) follows closely behind with a check of 7 million euros. Trained at OL, the 20-year-old Franco-Algerian represents a significant acquisition for the club from Nice. Very talented and not really given confidence at Lyon despite incredible performances with the reserve team, the French U21 international decided to leave his training club to try his luck at Nice. He quickly stood out with 2 goals and 2 assists in 6 Ligue 1 matches and certainly represents the main offensive threat in Nice’s attacking play.
His presence also allowed GYM to secure Jeff Reine-Adélaïde at the last moment. Also unhappy at Lyon, the 22-year-old midfielder was loaned in the final minutes of the transfer window. The loan includes a 25 million euro purchase option. Ambitious, he was convinced to join the Côte d’Azur by Gouiri and finally wants to establish himself at a club playing in Europe, he who passed through Arsenal during his training. Other talented players were added during the summer: Jordan Lotomba (6 million, from Young Boys of Bern), Hassane Kamara (4 million, from Reims), Morgan Schneiderlin (Everton), as well as Flavius Daniliuc (Bayern) and Lucas Da Cunha (Rennes).
According to the betting table developed by bwin.fr, Nice is not yet recognized at its fair value. Indeed, after PSG, favorites to win Ligue 1, Lille, Lyon, Rennes, Marseille, and Monaco are seen as candidates for Europe, well before GYM. The club from Nice is more in competition with Montpellier for the 7th place, according to predictions. A position that is not qualifying for Europe. OGC Nice will therefore have to be particularly inspired to secure a new European qualification and perhaps even prevent rival Monaco from reaching the Europa League.
