Following OGC Nice’s 1-0 win over Le Havre AC last Friday, Francesco Farioli confirmed that the conditions for Morgan Sanson’s (29) permanent transfer to the club had been met. The Frenchman’s time at Aston Villa is therefore over.
Ever since joining Nice on a loan deal from Aston Villa, Sanson’s intentions have been clear. “Yes, of course [I want to stay]. Florent Ghisolfi has said the same thing that he wants me involved in the project for the long term. Even if there is a permanent option with clauses that are very much attainable, I think I’ll be here for a while. I will do everything to ensure that the option is triggered,” Sanson told Get French Football News back in December.
The loan deal taking Sanson to the Allianz Riviera contained conditions that would see the move become permanent. There were two conditions that needed to be met in order for the €4m purchase option to become an obligation. Both have now been met.
The first stipulated that the Frenchman compete in over half of Nice’s matches this season. This condition was met many weeks ago. The second stipulated that Nice finish in the top eight in Ligue 1, which following Friday night’s victory over Le Havre, is now also assured. The deal taking Sanson from Aston Villa to Nice was been made permanent, a fact which was confirmed by Farioli in a press conference, attended by Get French Football News on Tuesday.
“Morgan is officially an OGC Nice player for the coming seasons. The qualification for European football and the number of games played ensured that. It is something that we celebrated. He has given a lot for the team and shown a desire to stay here. I think he is happy and we are too,” said the Nice manager.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle