​Terem Moffi, aged 27, has returned to OGC Nice after his loan spell at FC Porto ended, but it’s been made clear that his future does not lie at the Allianz Riviera. Moffi was one of two players to depart the club following an incident in November, when Nice faced unrest from fans. After Nice’s team bus returned from a defeat to FC Lorient, supporters attacked players and staff, and Moffi became a particular target of their anger. He, along with Jérémie Boga, was placed on sick leave in the aftermath.
Moffi did not play again for Nice and subsequently went out on loan in January. Boga also left Nice, moving to Juventus initially on loan, a deal that has since been made permanent. Moffi, however, has returned to the club and was present for the start of pre-season training on Wednesday, with a contract that runs until the end of the season.
Despite his return, Nice are eager to move him on. New sporting director Roger Ricort made that stance unequivocally clear. “He is on the list of players we want to leave. He will surely be transferred elsewhere,” Ricort stated after succeeding Florian Maurice in the role. He added, “We don’t necessarily respect the man, but we will respect the player. At the moment, he knows that he won’t be able to play for Nice any more, either. I think that would show a lack of respect to our supporters, but so long as he is here, we will try to be proper with him and his agents. When he finds a club, we will shake hands and wish each other good luck.”
This situation underscores Nice’s broader objective to overhaul the squad and reduce the distractions that followed the tumultuous incident last season. The club’s priority is to move on from Moffi and reallocate resources toward players who can contribute on the pitch and align with the club’s long-term plans. While Moffi remains under contract for now, the club’s messaging indicates a strong preference for a clean break, allowing both parties to pursue new opportunities without ongoing disruption.
As Nice navigate the transfer market, their approach reflects a broader strategy of refreshing the squad while managing player and supporter expectations. The club’s leadership has signaled that moves will be made to eliminate lingering distractions and to position Nice for a more stable and productive campaign ahead. For Moffi, the path forward lies with potential suitors who can offer regular first-team football and a clear role, aligning with both the player’s ambitions and the club’s desire to stabilize and strengthen the squad in the near term.