Nice’s striker hunt: Dieng and Banza rise as Wahi’s exit leaves gap

OGC Nice are reportedly prioritising Senegalese forward Bamba Dieng and Congolese striker Simon Banza as they seek a replacement for Elye Wahi, whose loan from Eintracht Frankfurt concluded on 30 June.

The French club’s focus on Dieng follows his free-agent status after leaving FC Lorient, where he delivered a prolific season with 15 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions. His form has drawn interest from multiple Turkish clubs and Saudi side Al-Shabab, though the player has not ranked OGC Nice as his top destination.

For Banza, Nice’s management have shown a clear preference, with reports suggesting the club would like to see his current employers, Al-Jazira, agree to a loan deal. The Congolese striker has built a reputation in Europe, having starred at SC Braga and Trabzonspor before a high-profile move to the United Arab Emirates last summer.

Securing Banza, however, may prove challenging: his contract with Al-Jazira extends until 2028, complicating any potential transfer. Meanwhile, Dieng’s availability and goal-scoring record make him an attractive option, even if his own priorities lie elsewhere.

The Gym’s recruitment team faces a delicate balancing act—balancing player ambitions with club ambition as they seek to rebuild without Wahi.