OM must first reduce its payroll before finalizing its signings. The Phocaean club has indeed identified several players whose departure is being considered: Pierre-Emile Hojberg, Leonardo Balerdi, Igor Paixao and Geoffrey Kondogbia. These sales are necessary to balance the accounts before finalizing new contracts.
Karl Toko Ekambi, a priority target in attack
Meanwhile, Olympique de Marseille is interested in Karl Toko Ekambi, former Lyon striker. Free of any contract after his stint at Al-Arabi SC, the Cameroonian international has caught the eye of Marseille’s executives. In his last season, he featured in 22 matches, scored seven goals and provided one assist. However, his true level after this period in Saudi Arabia remains to be assessed. OM is banking on a low-cost signing, as Toko Ekambi does not represent a significant financial investment. But his arrival will also depend on the outcome of ongoing negotiations regarding the departures of key players.
Giovani Versini, Pau winger willing to wait
Another target being pursued by Marseille is Giovani Versini, a winger playing for Pau in Ligue 2. According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the player has reportedly prioritized OM despite already reaching an agreement with Turkish club Corum, valued at €3.8 million. Versini is even said to be willing to wait until the final days of the transfer window to join the Phocaeans. This choice reflects the appeal of Marseille’s project, but again, everything hinges on the club’s sales before September 1. Two concrete leads, but both remain contingent on the resolution of ongoing cases.
A transfer window under high tension in Marseille
Bruno Genesio, OM’s head coach, has repeatedly emphasized the need to reduce the payroll. After the opening league win against Strasbourg, he stressed the urgency of these departures to allow the club to strengthen effectively. The stakes are twofold: lighten the financial burden and secure arrivals before the transfer window closes. Marseille supporters are eagerly awaiting announcements, but time is running out. Between the targets being pursued and financial imperatives, OM must act quickly to avoid missing its recruitment window.
The final days could be decisive.