OGC Nice manager Lucien Favre is reportedly furious at the club for signing Aaron Ramsey despite the coach’s wishes, with the Welsh international in talks with Everton and Newcastle United before moving to France.
According to RMC Sport, the former Borussia Dortmund coach explicitly has been at odds with sporting director Iain Moody over the ex-Cardiff City official’s transfer dealings this summer, with Favre criticising the recruitment specialist for not listening to his suggestions and instead going for who he wanted at the club, namely Ramsey.
Although the 75-cap Wales international scored on his Ligue 1 debut, Ramsey’s injury record, wage and age means the former Arsenal star is quite an unfavourable signing for many top clubs, yet Nice secured the midfielder’s services over the likes of Everton and Newcastle, who were both reportedly in talks to sign the released Juventus maestro.
Indeed, whilst Nice have started the season in poor fashion with the French Riviera side yet to win a game domestically or in Europe, the signing of Ramsey could be a blessing in disguise despite Favre’s protests over the arrival of the 31-year-old midfielder.
When fit, Ramsey is still one of the best players in his position in Europe, and given the intensity and pace of Ligue 1, the Wales star could thrive in France if he can stay fully fit, with Nice seemingly needing all the help they can get with Favre already falling out with those at the club.
The Swiss manager was appointed this summer after two years out from the game following his sacking from Dortmund, yet within weeks, Favre could now be one of the favourites in Ligue 1 to face the sack should the 64-year-old continue to question the moves made by his recruitment team.
Ramsey must prove to Nice manager his arrival is justified
Ramsey was always going to be a contentious signing now matter where the midfielder ended up this summer, yet at Nice, Favre is already seemingly opposed to the Welshman’s arrival, yet the former Juventus star has the qualities to justify his signing, with this Thursday already a perfect opportunity.
Nice trail in their UEFA Europa Conference League play-off against Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Ramsey putting on a show could be enough to see the French side overturn the result against their Israeli rivals to book their place in Europe for the season.
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