Portuguese giants FC Porto have successfully brokered a deal with OGC Nice to sign Nigerian international Terem Moffi on an initial loan basis. The agreement features a non-mandatory purchase clause valued at approximately €8m, providing an escape route for the 26-year-old following a turbulent period in the French top flight. Transfer expert Fabrice Hawkins confirms that the player will soon travel to Portugal to undergo medical examinations and formalize the contract.
Porto triumphed in a competitive race for the striker’s signature, successfully warding off a financially superior offer from Turkish powerhouse Besiktas. While various clubs in Scotland and France also registered interest, Moffi prioritized the sporting vision at the Estádio do Dragão. The opportunity to reunite with manager Francesco Farioli played a decisive role in his decision, as the Italian coach possesses intimate knowledge of Moffi’s capabilities from their shared tenure in Ligue 1.
The move marks the end of a hostile standoff between Moffi and the Nice hierarchy that began after a controversial defeat to Lorient on November 30. Following a confrontation between fans and players, the club sidelined the forward, eventually forcing Moffi to seek legal intervention through a French judicial commission to facilitate his exit. This season has proved challenging for the former Lorient man, who netted only twice in ten outings, a significant decline from his debut season where he led the club’s scoring charts with 11 goals.
Despite his recent lack of club minutes, Moffi maintains a strong reputation within the Nigerian national team setup. Since his 2021 debut, he has remained a consistent presence for the Super Eagles, notably contributing to the squad that secured a silver medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Porto officials now view the physical striker as a primary solution to their offensive needs and hold the rights to secure his services permanently this summer if he meets performance expectations.
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