Nigerian striker Terem Moffi is expected to leave OGC Nice on a permanent transfer before the close of the summer transfer window after the Ligue 1 club confirmed he is no longer part of their long-term plans.
The 27-year-old has returned to Nice following an unsuccessful loan spell at Portuguese side FC Porto, who opted against activating the €8 million purchase option included in the deal.
Despite reporting back for pre-season training, Moffi’s future lies away from the Allianz Riviera, with Nice actively seeking a permanent transfer for the Super Eagles forward.
Porto spell fails to revive career
Moffi’s stock has declined significantly over the past year after falling down the pecking order at Nice before joining Porto on loan during the second half of last season.
The move to Portugal offered the former Lorient striker an opportunity to revive his career, but he was unable to make the desired impact, prompting Porto to pass on the option to sign him permanently.
His return to Nice has done little to alter the club’s plans, with officials now focused on finding him a new destination.
Nice confirm transfer plans
Speaking about the striker’s future, Nice sporting director Roger Ricort made the club’s position unequivocally clear.
“He is on the list of players we want to leave. He will surely be transferred elsewhere.”
Ricort also admitted Moffi’s relationship with sections of the club’s supporters has become irreparable following an incident after Nice’s defeat to Lorient last November.
“We don’t necessarily respect the man, but we will respect the player. At the moment, he knows he won’t be able to play for Nice anymore either.”
The sporting director added that reinstating Moffi would undermine the club’s relationship with its supporters, while stressing that Nice intend to manage his departure professionally.
“I think that would show a lack of respect to our supporters, but so long as he is here, we will try and be proper with him and his agents. When he finds a club, we will shake hands and wish each other good luck.”
With Nice making their intentions public, Moffi is now expected to secure a permanent move before the transfer window closes as he looks to revive his career elsewhere.
