Morocco International Prefers Return to Formative Club Despite Saudi Interest.

Amir Richardson

Moroccan midfielder Amir Richardson is poised to exit Fiorentina during the January 2026 transfer window, with OGC Nice emerging as the clear frontrunners to secure his signature.

According to exclusive reports from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on January 3, 2026, Richardson’s departure from the Serie A side is confirmed, and Nice are actively pushing to bring the 23-year-old back to his formative club. The tall (1.97m) central midfielder, who has struggled for minutes in Italy, has made a return to the Allianz Riviera his top priority.

Saudi Pro League newcomers NEOM SC – the ambitious club backed by the futuristic NEOM project – have submitted an enquiry, adding intrigue to the race. However, Richardson’s preference remains firmly with Nice, where he spent his early youth career before breakthroughs at Le Havre and Reims.

Talks between Fiorentina and Nice are advancing, with a loan deal (potentially without a buy option) the likely structure. Richardson, under contract until 2029 after his €9m move from Reims in 2024, seeks regular playing time to boost his prospects ahead of the 2026 World Cup with Morocco.

This potential homecoming would provide Nice with much-needed midfield reinforcement amid their Ligue 1 challenges, while offering Richardson a familiar environment to rediscover his form.

The deal is described as “on,” signaling rapid progress in the early days of the window.