Hatem Ben Arfa nearly made a Ligue 1 return

Hatem Ben Arfa came close to returning to Ligue 1 with OGC Nice, but the proposed comeback was abandoned before the winter transfer window closed. The idea emerged as the club faced sporting and financial difficulties under returning president Jean-Pierre Rivère, who wanted a striking move to revive the squad.

Ben Arfa had not played since leaving Lille in difficult circumstances in spring 2022, although he had never formally announced his retirement. The 39-year-old was reportedly receptive to a symbolic-salary deal that would have seen him prepare for a late-season role as an experienced substitute. Nice also hoped a strong Coupe de France run could provide a final stage for the former attacking midfielder.

The prospect was linked to his outstanding previous spell on the Côte d’Azur. In 2015-16, Ben Arfa scored 17 Ligue 1 goals and supplied six assists under Claude Puel, the coach who has also returned to Nice. Puel demanded that the player either build his fitness in Paris before joining or regain competitive rhythm with the reserve side.

Rivère ultimately dropped the proposal, judging that Ben Arfa would not accept spending several months away from the first team after four years without competitive football. The planned reunion therefore ended before the player could make a second chapter at Nice.