Nice launches the offensive. In the midst of sporting and extra-sporting turmoil, the Azur football club has activated a priority track for the winter transfer window: Amir Richardson, former prodigy of Ligue 1 who played for Reims and is currently under contract at Fiorentina. Contacts have been made to evaluate a transfer as soon as the market opens. The objective is clear: to offer Franck Haise a talented player capable of retaking control of the midfield and relighting the Allianz Riviera. The estimated price, around 6.5 million euros, remains accessible for a player under contract until 2029 in Tuscany. The Nice context imposes urgency: 13th after 16 games with an unfavorable dynamic, the Gym must rearm before the competition toughens.
The setting is known. The string of defeats has tightened the environment and the rift with part of the public has come to light, with incidents leading to complaints and an investigation. The management, reorganized around the return of familiar faces, now wants to speed up recruitment to secure survival and rebuild a coherent playing base. In this battle for revival, Richardson ticks the boxes sought by Haise: volume, projection, ability to direct. The Moroccan is at the top of a shortlist where other former Ligue 1 players are tracked for the attack. But the priority, here and now, remains to bring back to the center of the game a profile that takes responsibility for creation and intensity.
Nice is stirring and targets a former Ligue 1 prodigy: the Amir Richardson file
Who? Amir Richardson, Moroccan international trained in France, former Reims player, identified as a creative link and runner. What? A transfer studied by Nice, already in contact with the player. Where? Between Florence and the Allianz Riviera, a potential destination to relaunch his career.
When? At the opening of the winter market. How? Through a direct purchase or a loan with option, around €6.5M. Why? Because the Gym lacks a guide at the heart of the game, while the team is 13th and the attack is struggling, with tense situations of Jérémie Boga and Terem Moffi.
Technical profile and expected role in Franck Haise’s system
Richardson provides a clean first touch, reliable long passing, and vertical runs. In a 3-4-2-1 dear to Haise, he can occupy the role of right relay in the double pivot, with freedom to attack the zone and cover on loss of possession.
His size and game reading secure transitions while offering a launching ramp for the flanks. At Nice, his contribution would aim at both progression by foot and high recovery. A profile structuring the quiet phases and initiating the strong phases.
Sporting crisis and tense environment: why action is needed now
OGC Nice comes out of a fall weighed down by insufficient results and a toxic atmosphere, up to incidents at the training center. In top-level football, time kills projects: the string of defeats weakens confidence and isolates talents.
The ranking, 13th with 17 points after 16 games, illustrates the urgency. In a competition where football teams strengthen from January, not moving would amount to retreating. Hence a transfer window targeting immediately operational profiles.
Additional options: two former Ligue 1 players to energize the attack, plus an experienced center-back
Beyond Richardson, the Gym is exploring two offensive profiles who passed through Ligue 1 to bring penetration and deep runs. One could arrive on loan with option, the other in a short deal to densify rotation and protect the youth.
Meanwhile, an experienced central defender remains monitored, with competition from teams like ASSE. The goal is clear: rebalance the squad without losing financial control. The battle for survival requires quick and clear choices.
- Creation in the heart of the game: a link who dictates the tempo and finds the flanks.
- Depth: a former Ligue 1 player capable of attacking the line and finishing.
- Defensive leadership: a center-back to secure the box and aerial game.
- Flexible deals: loans with options to limit risk.
- Quick integration: profiles speaking the language and used to Ligue 1.
Budget, deal structure and schedule: how Nice wants to close the deal
The Amir Richardson file revolves around a reasonable price and a clear sporting argument. Nice can offer a central role, playing time, and a trajectory relaunch-Europe, plus a familiar environment. The deal will depend on the window and Fiorentina’s position.
Loan with option conditional on survival? Immediate purchase with bonuses linked to minutes played? The Gym remains flexible. The idea is to lock the agreement early, then align the medical visit for quick availability at restart.
| Target position | Priority | Profile/Option | Contract status | Cost range | Envisioned deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relay-creator midfielder | Very high | Amir Richardson (Fiorentina) | Contract until 2029 | ~€6.5M | Purchase or loan + option |
| Winger/9.5 | High | Two former Ligue 1 players under study | Variable | Clean loan mid-term | Loan with option |
| Central defender | Medium | Experienced profile (duel with ASSE) | Free or near end of contract | Low to medium | Free or minor fee |
What Richardson changes from February
With Richardson, Nice gains a cleaner pressured outlet and presence between the lines. Transitions become less suffered, the first relay finds angles again, and the flanks are better supplied.
This technical shift can free the attack, especially if a former Ligue 1 player joins up front. The team reduces uncertainty and takes back the initiative. In a tight battle, this advantage counts every weekend.
Governance, locker room and sporting horizon: a signal sent to all of Ligue 1
The return of experienced leaders and the targeting of a major profile send a message to Ligue 1: Nice remains ambitious despite the storm. The locker room is waiting for actions; the winter market can reinstall a common direction.
If the recruitment aligned with Haise succeeds, the Gym will stop enduring and become a player again. And if the attack is completed, the dynamic can quickly reverse. The turning point is now.
Who is the former prodigy targeted by Nice?
It is Amir Richardson, Moroccan relay midfielder trained in France, revealed in Ligue 1 and currently at Fiorentina. Nice has made contacts for a winter transfer.
Why is Nice accelerating on the transfer market?
The Gym is 13th after 16 games, with fragile momentum and a tense atmosphere. The club must secure its survival and restore a playing identity in the short term.
What role would Richardson play under Franck Haise?
Creative link in a double pivot, with volume, game orientation and secure transitions. He should help control the rhythm and better supply the flanks.
What is the estimated cost of the operation?
The valuation is about €6.5 million, with several possible deal structures: direct purchase or loan with option. The player’s contract runs until 2029.
What other prospects are being studied?
Two former Ligue 1 players are considered to reinforce the attack, as well as an experienced central defender. The idea is to complete the squad without unbalancing the wage bill.