Contract hitch means Grégory Lorenzi not yet confirmed at OM | OneFootball

Grégory Lorenzi is expected to become OM’s new sporting director, but confirmation is on hold due to a contractual hitch involving Nice.

Nice-Matin reports that Lorenzi has already signed a contract with Nice, which would apply if they remain in Ligue 1. OM will keep a close eye on the play-off between Nice and Saint-Étienne on 26 and 29 May.

There was relief at the Vélodrome after Europa League qualification at the end of a draining campaign. New president Stéphane Richard, due to start in early July, is already at work. He attended the 1-0 win at Le Havre in matchweek 33, then the 3-1 victory over Rennes on the final day.

With Medhi Benatia’s departure confirmed at the end of his notice period, sourcing a new sporting director is the first major task. Lorenzi, 42, has said his goodbyes to Brest after close to a decade.

In Nice, his change of heart has gone down badly and the club intend to uphold the contract, confident of their position. Even so, it is hard to imagine them blocking someone who has chosen a rival.

If Nice stay in Ligue 1, all parties will need an honourable solution. Compensation could resolve the issue, as has happened with player transfers diverted late.

OM do not wish to comment on a dispute they view as external. The wrangle should still disrupt the timing for unveiling Lorenzi, which had ideally been planned for this week.

Source: L'Équipe