Olympique de Marseille has confirmed that its entire senior squad is available for transfer this summer as the club grapples with financial restrictions imposed following a period of heavy spending under former manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Financial watchdog imposes restrictions
The Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion (DNCG), French football’s financial regulator, has announced it will closely monitor Marseille’s transfer dealings and wage expenditure during the upcoming window. This intervention comes after the club exceeded its budget during De Zerbi’s tenure, which concluded without qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Transfer strategy: Greenwood out, others uncertain
According to Get French Football News, no player is considered unsellable at the Stade Vélodrome. The club views England forward Mason Greenwood as a valuable saleable asset and is actively seeking offers for his departure. However, sources indicate that Brazilian winger Igor Paixao falls into a different category; Marseille would prefer to retain him, though a substantial bid would force their hand.
French publication Onze Mondial reports that the Ligue 1 side has identified three additional priority retention targets: defender Facundo Medina, winger Timothy Weah, and forward Amine Gouiri. All three delivered strong individual performances despite the team’s collective struggles last term, which saw them miss out on Europe’s premier club competition.
Implications for next season
Nevertheless, the club’s financial reality suggests flexibility. With DNCG oversight now in place and the absence of Champions League revenue tightening budgets, Marseille admits it cannot reject significant offers for any squad member, including their preferred keepers.
The situation places sporting decision-makers in a delicate position as they attempt to balance the books while maintaining a competitive team capable of securing European qualification next season. Any incoming transfers will likely depend on successful outgoings, with the club needing to demonstrate fiscal responsibility to the governing body before making significant investments.
Prospective buyers will know that Marseille operates under pressure to sell, potentially driving down asking prices for players like Greenwood while testing the club’s resolve regarding Paixao, Medina, Weah and Gouiri.