Empoli Agree Deal to Sign Rareș Ilie on Loan from Nice

Empoli have agreed to sign Romanian midfielder Rareș Ilie on loan from French club OGC Nice. The deal includes an option to buy.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Empoli have secured a season-long loan for 22-year-old Romanian attacking midfielder Rareș Ilie from OGC Nice. The deal includes a buy option, allowing Empoli to sign Ilie permanently next summer. He spent last season on loan at Catanzaro in Serie B, making a limited impact as the club finished sixth. His move to Empoli comes after the club’s recent relegation from Serie A, with hopes of securing a promotion to the top flight once again.

RAREȘ ILIE’S CAREER SO FAR

Ilie started his career with Rapid București before moving to OGC Nice in 2022, where he struggled to secure playing time. Last season’s spell at Catanzaro saw him feature in a handful of matches, but he did not score any goals or assists. Despite this, Empoli have shown belief in his potential, hoping he can develop further in the Italian second division. Empoli’s interest continued even when Catanzaro expressed their intention to keep Ilie on loan, but a deal was not reached between those clubs.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR EMPOLI AND ILIE?

Empoli will welcome Ilie as their new player as the squad prepares for the 2025-26 Serie B season, aiming to return to Serie A. Their next match will be the season opener in Serie B against a competitor also aiming for promotion. Empoli finished last season just below the survival line and hope that players like Ilie can help them close the gap to the promotion spots. Ilie, meanwhile, will be looking to impress and earn a permanent move, as well as more pitch time to aid his development as an attacking midfielder.