The opening of the winter transfer window marks the return of our transfer points, every Sunday in January. OGC Nice has already been active in the first days of the transfer market, officially announcing a new signing. And a second recruit could quickly follow. We summarize everything for you.
OGC Nice didn’t waste time. Struggling in the league, the Gym has already confirmed the arrival of a first reinforcement at the start of the 2026 winter transfer window: Elye Wahi. The center-forward joins on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt. The former Montpellier player will try to revive his stalled career on the Côte d’Azur after unsuccessful stints at Lens, Marseille, and the German club over the past two years. The former French youth international strengthens a weak center-forward position at the Gym, where neither Terem Moffi nor Kevin Carlos have convinced during the first half of the season. This loan does not include a purchase option.
Like the last summer transfer window, OGC Nice’s scope for action will be limited this January. The owner of the red and black, Ineos, is still tightening the financial reins and will only invest minimally. Yet, Claude Puel‘s squad could use some changes. Under these conditions, the Gym can only attract recruits in the form of loans—like the arrival of Elye Wahi—without any transfer fees. After the striker position, recruiting a central defender has become the second priority for Nice in this winter transfer window. Although the mention of his name has fueled social media, it is unlikely to be Sergio Ramos.
Amir Richardson wants to join OGC Nice
Parallel to the Wahi file, the Aiglons’ management has made significant progress on another front. The Gym hopes to finalize the arrival of Amir Richardson in the coming days. The current Fiorentina player was trained at the Nice club but never played professionally there. A few years later, the midfielder might make his grand return to his training club. A significant advantage for OGC Nice in this case: the Moroccan player has already publicly declared his desire to join the Nice club.
“Nice is clearly my priority. It’s my club at heart. I grew up in Nice, my mother still lives there. I know it’s going through a rough patch, but honestly, the Gym is a very good Ligue 1 club. Everyone goes through tough times,” said Amir Richardson in an interview with L’Équipe on December 23. Since then, the international player has been sidelined by his club following his public statements. Negotiations continue between the Viola and the Gym. A positive outcome is expected in the coming days.
Departures expected
In a difficult financial situation, OGC Nice will also have to part with some of its players in the coming weeks. Several players—who have not lived up to expectations in the first half of the season—have reportedly been shown the door. According to L’Équipe, the Gym could part ways with Morgan Sanson, Tom Louchet, and Jonathan Clauss. Louchet is notably rumored to be a target for AJ Auxerre, as last summer. The situation for the French international is more complex. According to Nice-Matin, the defender has expressed to some employees his desire to stay on the Côte d’Azur this winter. As a reminder, the defender had a tough time with his aborted move to Leverkusen last summer, causing him to miss several matches in October.
Finally, the situations surrounding Terem Moffi and Jérémie Boga remain particularly unclear. Both forwards are still on sick leave since the incidents that occurred near the training center following the defeat at Lorient (1-3). “Boga and Moffi, their situation has not changed, I haven’t seen them, it’s something that will be resolved with the club,” revealed Claude Puel this Friday in a press conference. The trend seems to be towards both players leaving during this January window. The Ivorian international already has interests in Serie A, the league he played in before joining the Gym. Meanwhile, the Nigerian striker is said to be on the radar of several Ligue 1 teams (Angers, Auxerre).
