Sir Jim Ratcliffe is moving closer to selling French side Nice, a year after putting the club on the market. The Manchester United co-owner initially valued Nice at £200 million, having acquired the club through his petrochemicals conglomerate, INEOS, in 2019. However, after struggling to attract buyers, Ratcliffe is understood to have slashed the asking price significantly in January. New York-based investment bank Lazard was appointed to manage the sale process, and recent reports indicate that two potential buyers have emerged—one from Europe and another from the United States.
Club's Performance and Fan Discontent
Since INEOS took over, Nice has experienced considerable instability, with seven different permanent managers. The club has qualified for European competitions in five of Ratcliffe's seven seasons, but his attention has increasingly shifted to Manchester United, leading to disengagement. This has not gone down well with the Nice fan base, who feel neglected. Ratcliffe's public comments have further strained relations. In an interview with The Times last year, he remarked, "I don't particularly enjoy going to watch Nice because there are some good players, but the level of football is not high enough for me to get excited." Then-manager Franck Haise responded, noting that Ratcliffe had not attended a Nice match that season and emphasized the club's efforts to improve.
Current Season and Future Prospects
Nice finished fourth in Ligue 1 last season, but this term they are on course for their lowest finish since 2013-14. Under manager Claude Puel, the four-time French champions have accumulated just 31 points with two games remaining, placing them 15th—only three points above the relegation play-off spot currently held by Auxerre. The sale process is expected to accelerate as the season concludes, with both European and American parties reportedly interested in acquiring the club.
