French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice have confirmed that they will not be exercising their option to purchase Danish full-back Riza Durmisi permanently from Lazio. The 26-year-old left-back signed for the French outfit on loan in the January transfer window, with Nice holding an option to sign him if they wished. However, the club today have announced that they will not be exercising this option, nor will they be on any of their other loanees, such as Napoli’s Adam Ounas or Barcelona’s Moussa Wague.
In a statement published on their official website, Nice confirmed the news:
“Loaned to Le Gym by Lazio during the winter transfer market, Riza Durmisi will not play again for Les Rouge et Noir. OGC Nice has decided not to trigger the option to buy for the left-back. Riza made four Ligue 1 appearances and played one Coupe de France match.”
“Informed of this decision, the Denmark international graciously thanked the club for this opportunity and wished Les Aiglons the best for the future. OGC Nice wished Riza every success for the rest of his career.”
Durmisi will now return to Lazio, where his future very much hangs in the balance. After failing to truly impress since signing for the Biancocelesti from Real Betis, time may be running out for the Dane. Furthermore, reports in recent days have suggested that Lazio are interested in Olympiacos’ Greek left-back Kostas Tsimikas, as a potential heir to Senad Lulic.
Lazio will undoubtedly re-evaluate Durmisi this summer and make an informed decision as to whether or not they wish to give him another chance at the club or to cash in on him during the summer market. It may, however, be difficult to sell the defender this summer, as experts predict a greatly limited transfer market due to the financial impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.
