Olympique de Marseille are pushing to sign Standard Liège goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo, though the French club must sell players before they can complete the deal. Standard Liège have set an asking price of €8 million for the 21-year-old DR Congo international, creating a valuation gap that Marseille currently cannot bridge without generating funds through departures.
The Ligue 1 side face competition for Epolo’s signature. Another club from France’s top flight and a Premier League team seeking a second-choice goalkeeper have also made enquiries about the Belgian youth international. This rival interest could complicate Marseille’s pursuit if they cannot move quickly to secure the necessary funds.
Financial constraints blocking move
Marseille’s transfer activity remains restricted by an inability to shift high-earning players from their wage bill. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is among those the club are keen to offload, though sources indicate no player is considered unsellable. Sporting director Grégory Lorenzi has made signing a goalkeeper a priority, but sales are essential to free up budget space for incoming transfers.
Jeffrey De Lange started Friday’s match against RC Strasbourg Alsace, highlighting the current uncertainty between the posts. The Dutchman could yet leave the club, adding urgency to Marseille’s search for a new number one. The situation leaves the manager with limited options until the club resolves its financial restrictions.
What happens next
The deal hinges on Marseille’s ability to generate transfer revenue in the coming days. Without successful outgoing moves, the club will struggle to meet Standard Liège’s €8m demands or fend off rival suitors from the Premier League and Ligue 1. Epolo may not wait indefinitely for Marseille’s financial situation to clear, particularly with other European clubs already circling.
Standard Liège are holding firm on their valuation, meaning Marseille must either find buyers for their surplus squad members or risk losing the talented young goalkeeper to competitors with greater immediate spending power.