Rares Ilie (22) will spend the coming season in Serie B. The Romanian U21 player will be on loan for one year at Empoli, with an option to buy.

It was a successful first loan spell in the Italian second tier at Catanzaro in 2024-25, where he played in 15 matches from January to June 2025, contributing to the Calabrian club’s high finish in the table (6th and a place in the play-offs) and making three assists. Rares Ilie will return to Serie B for the 2025-26 season.

OGC Nice wish their midfielder all the best for the season.

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