Having all but conceded second place in Ligue 1 to Lens, Marseille are now set to go through a play-off at the end of August in order to secure their place in the Champions League next year. This uncertainty about their European future is now likely to have an impact on their transfers this summer, as L’Équipe pointed out this morning.
Club president Pablo Longoria and director of football Javier Ribalta had drawn up a plan of action for every possible final position last month – second, third and fourth.
Several potential moves have been put on stand-by, according to L’Équipe, including the free transfer of Crystal Palace striker Wilfried Zaha. The Ivory Coast international has been offered to OM but the club are yet to respond favorably and no contract has yet been offered to the 30-year-old. Zaha was previously reported as the club’s priority signing should he return to European football’s premier competition.
Several potential moves have been put on stand-by, according to L’Équipe, including the free transfer of Crystal Palace striker Wilfried Zaha. The Ivory Coast international has been offered to OM but the club are yet to respond favorably and no contract has yet been offered to the 30-year-old. Zaha was previously reported as the club’s priority signing should he return to European football’s premier competition.
The club’s priority is also to reduce the wage bill and raise funds this summer, with plans for seven to eight departures and as many arrivals in place. The idea is to make players like Mattéo Guendouzi, Leonardo Balerdi, and maybe even Cengiz Ünder profitable. Marseille are also optimistic about retaining Alexis Sánchez – renewal talks for the Chilean veteran began ten days ago – although a potential Champions League place and his wage demands will be decisive.
