Terem Moffi's desire to join Nice is strange

Terem Moffi is one of the Super Eagles' players who could move on deadline day

OPINION Terem Moffi's desire to join Nice is strange

Tunde Young 23:58 - 25.01.2023

Terem Moffi reportedly prefers to join OGC Nice, which is a strange choice considering his long list of suitors.

Nigerian striker Terem Moffi is reportedly keen on a move to OGC Nice this January and has an agreement in place with the club ahead of his other suitors.

Moffi's 12 goals in 18 games for Lorient so far this season have made him one of the most sought-after players in the winter window with clubs like Marseille, West Ham and Southampton constantly linked.

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However, the 23-year-old is reported to have his heart set on Nice which is particularly mind-boggling as they look the least attractive of his options from the outside looking in at the moment.

Nicer options than Nice

From a purely footballing perspective, it is inexplicable that Moffi is willing to leave Lorient to join OGC Nice who are currently worse than his present team.

Terem Moffi turned down Marseille

Lorient have massively overperformed in Ligue 1 this season where they are currently seventh on the log and actively pushing for European football next season, mostly thanks to Moffi's goals.

Based on his current form, Moffi’s next move is expected to be a step up from his current level but OGC Nice is a sideways move at best and that is a quite generous assessment.

Reports revealed that Moffi turned down the chance to join Olympique Marseille, a club currently third in Ligue 1, five points off table-topping PSG.

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Marseille also have Europa League football to offer this season while also being on course to secure a Champions League slot next season but Moffi would reportedly still rather join OGC Nice in the Europa Conference League.

The best option

As it stands, Marseille are the most attractive of the four who currently want Moffi ahead of OGC Nice, West Ham and Southampton.

But as the Nigerian already turned down Marseille despite his club Lorient accepting their cash offer plus Bamba Dieng as a makeweight, perhaps it may benefit Moffi to stay where he is.

Terem Moffi could be on his way out of Lorient

Moffi is in his third season as a Lorient player and he’s very much loved at the Stade du Moustoir having finished as the club’s top scorer in each of the previous two seasons.

He is currently the top scorer for the team in his third season as well with 12 goals in 18 games behind only Mbappe.

Thanks to Moffi’s goals, Lorient have 32 points at halfway point in Ligue 1 this season, four short of last season's total and 10 fewer than the 2020/21 season, they finished 16th in both seasons.

However, they are currently seventh on the table with ambitions to qualify for European football next season which will be impossible if they keep losing their best players mid-season.

Les Meleurs have already lost winger Dango Ouattara, a key player who departed some days ago to join Premier League club Bournemouth.

Bournemouth v Nottingham Forest Premier League Dango Ouattara of Bournemouth during the Premier League match at the Vitality Stadium

Ouattara was one of Lorient's dangerous attacking trio along with Enzo Le Fee and Terem Moffi and their departures could significantly derail their season and ambitions.

Seeing out the season with Lorient will not only help him continue to build up his stock with goals that could help the team achieve history.

Terem Moffi could be on his way out of Lorient

On a personal note, it would help Moffi attract better suitors as most top clubs tend to have quiet January windows and then spend freely in the summer. 

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