OGC Nice pursued a sensational deal during the winter transfer window to bring Hatem Ben Arfa back to the French Riviera, according to reports from Nice-Matin. Club president Jean-Pierre Rivère personally targeted the 39-year-old playmaker in January, hoping to orchestrate a high-profile reunion nearly a decade after Ben Arfa’s memorable 2015-2016 campaign under coach Claude Puel.
A Presidential Initiative
Jean-Pierre Rivère returned to the OGC Nice presidency in December alongside Maurice Cohen following a period of turmoil involving Franck Haise’s squad and club supporters. The veteran executive maintained an open line of communication with the midfielder long after his departure. « Ils n’ont jamais coupé le contact », reported Nice-Matin, noting that the relationship between the club patron and the player remained strong years after their initial collaboration.
The 2016 Blueprint
Ben Arfa remains a revered figure among Nice supporters due to his stellar individual form during the 2015-2016 season. Operating primarily as an attacking midfielder, he delivered 18 goals and 7 assists across 37 appearances, steering the club to a fourth-place finish in Ligue 1. That standout year revived his career following spells with clubs like Olympique Lyonnais, Olympique de Marseille, and Paris Saint-Germain, eventually earning him a move to Stade Rennais and later Lille.
Why the Move Collapsed
The proposed January comeback carried distinct objectives. Rivère aimed to bolster the squad for a deep run in the Coupe de France—a tournament where Nice ultimately reached the final—while creating a massive media splash. Initially, the idea appealed to Ben Arfa, who has not played professional football since leaving Lille at the conclusion of the 2021-2022 season and currently focuses on playing padel without having officially announced his retirement. However, the potential transfer ultimately fell through. Reluctance from manager Claude Puel, who previously coached Ben Arfa during his prolific spell in Nice ten years prior, proved to be a decisive factor in halting the anticipated return to Ligue 1.
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