News Focus
- Medhi Benatia will depart from Olympique de Marseille when the current football season ends
- The Moroccan executive first quit his post in February alongside manager Roberto De Zerbi, but later returned temporarily
- Grégory Lorenzi will arrive from Stade Brestois to replace Benatia in the sporting director role
- Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad have made contact regarding their vacant sporting director position
- The former Juventus centre-back appears on a shortlist to replace Ramon Planes at the Gulf State club
Medhi Benatia will depart from Olympique de Marseille when the current football season ends. The Moroccan executive first quit his post in February together with manager Roberto De Zerbi. Both men originally left the French club by mutual agreement. However, club officials later persuaded him to come back. He agreed to stay until the campaign finishes.
Marseille owner Frank McCourt has since confirmed this departure will happen after the final Ligue 1 match. French newspaper L’Équipe reports that Grégory Lorenzi will take his place. The new sporting director will join from rival club Stade Brestois.
Benatia now seeks employment for next term. The former Juventus centre-back may have found his next destination. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano states that Al-Ittihad have made contact. The Saudi Pro League club want the current Marseille director. They consider him a candidate to replace Ramon Planes. Several names appear on their shortlist for the vacant position.