OGC Nice: Roger Ricort facing a target of 70 million euros in savings before the end of the transfer window

Back at OGC Nice after seventeen years away, Roger Ricort inherits a major project. The sporting director must reduce spending by 70 million euros before the close of the summer transfer window, while rebuilding a competitive squad.

The return of Roger Ricort to OGC Nice marks a new stage in the reorganization undertaken by the Azurian leaders. Seventeen years after his departure, the former sporting director returns to a club that has been profoundly overhauled, with Maurice Cohen back as president and Olivier Pantaloni on the bench.

The reconstruction comes after a difficult season, concluded by survival obtained in the playoffs against AS Saint-Étienne. In this context, INEOS, the club’s owner, has set a specific financial objective: achieve 70 million euros in savings before the close of the transfer window, within approximately five weeks, according to information from L’Équipe.

Roger Ricort recounted the circumstances of his return in the sports daily’s columns: “I’m the first one surprised to be here. One day, Maurice (Cohen) calls me: ‘You have an hour to come sign your contract’. He had a feeling I would join him. I just had time to call my loved ones, who replied: ‘And you’re not already in the car?'”

Expected departures and squad to be reshaped

To achieve this objective, reducing the wage bill appears to be a priority. Several players are among the candidates to leave, notably Terem Moffi and Kevin Carlos. Signed for approximately 6 million euros, the Spanish striker has failed to establish himself. After refusing Preston and then Samsunspor, a new solution will need to be found before the end of the transfer window.

During a recent press conference, Roger Ricort had moreover sent a message to Terem Moffi: “We don’t necessarily respect the man, but we are obliged to respect the player.” A statement that reflects the desire to put the institution first.

Mohamed-Ali Cho is also expected to leave. The winger continues to be followed by AS Monaco according to several reports. Other moves could occur in the coming weeks to reduce costs while providing the club with room for maneuver.

Parallel to sales, OGC Nice will need to strengthen certain areas of play. The recruitment of a center forward is among the identified priorities. Roger Ricort now has a few weeks to reconcile financial imperatives and sporting ambitions, in a transfer window that promises to be decisive for the 2026-2027 season.