News Focus
- Benjamin Pavard leaves Olympique de Marseille following the end of his loan agreement
- The French centre-back returns to Inter Milan but faces an uncertain future at the Serie A club
- Marseille declined to activate the €15 million option to sign him permanently
- Nottingham Forest also rejected a permanent deal for Pavard earlier this season
- The defender earns €5 million per season at Inter with a contract until 2028
Benjamin Pavard has officially ended his stint with Olympique de Marseille. The French defender posted a farewell message to supporters after his loan spell concluded. He is now set to return to Inter Milan.
Pavard moved to the south of France on the final day of last summer’s transfer window. He featured in his last match for the club this past weekend. Marseille secured a 3-1 victory over Rennes in that fixture.
The Ligue 1 outfit chose not to sign the player on a permanent basis. They had the option to pay €15 million to keep him at the Stade Vélodrome. This marks the second club to pass on signing him this term. Nottingham Forest also sent him back during the first half of the campaign.
The 28-year-old shared an emotional statement on social media. He described wearing the Marseille shirt as an unforgettable experience. He expressed gratitude to the coaching staff, his teammates and the fans for their support throughout the season.
Despite the warm send-off, Pavard’s career faces a crossroads. Inter Milan have informed the defender that he does not feature in their plans. The club pays him €5 million each year. His current deal runs until 2028. This high salary makes him a costly asset to transfer.
Pavard joined Inter from Bayern Munich in 2023. His market value has fallen significantly since that move. The coming weeks will see his representatives search for a new destination. His options may be limited following a difficult 18 months on the pitch.