Olympique de Marseille‘s sporting director, Grégory Lorenzi, has cautioned fans against high expectations for the upcoming January transfer window. Lorenzi stated that the club’s activity will be heavily influenced by a DNCG (Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion) hearing scheduled for December, which will determine their financial flexibility.
Marseille endured a challenging summer transfer period, marked by significant financial constraints and commitments made to UEFA and the DNCG. These restrictions meant the club was unable to recruit any new players, despite several key figures departing. This inability to strengthen the squad has been linked to Marseille’s poor start to the current season, with the club losing five of their first six games across all competitions and currently sitting second bottom in Ligue 1.
Missed Opportunities in Summer
Lorenzi highlighted the club’s attempts to sign players, revealing that they had pursued Swiss international Zachary Athekame. Both Lorenzi and manager Bruno Genesio spoke to Athekame, but financial limitations prevented Marseille from completing the deal. Athekame ultimately joined fierce rivals Olympique Lyonnais on a season-long loan from AC Milan, underscoring Marseille’s difficulties in the market.
Financial Outlook and Future Planning
The sporting director emphasised the need for realism regarding transfers. He told L’Équipe, “We have a constraint that is the DNCG. We have a hearing in December and that will be what informs us (of the January transfer window). Today, I can’t respond about departures or arrivals.”
Lorenzi also discussed a broader vision for the club’s financial stability, advocating for a model that is less reliant on immediate results like UEFA Champions League qualification or TV rights. He stressed the importance of achieving financial balance and independence. As Marseille navigates a difficult period on and off the pitch, the outcome of the December DNCG hearing will be crucial in shaping their approach to the January transfer window and their hopes for a stronger second half of the season.