The Olympique de Marseille continues its efforts to recruit Igor Paixão, a Brazilian winger of the Feyenoord Rotterdam, despite Leeds United’s competition. OM had initially made more modest offers, around EUR 16 to 28 million, including loan clauses with option of purchase, but these proposals do not meet the requirements of the Dutch club, which is considered inflexible on its prices. OM is now preparing to formulate a third offer that is more in line with Feyenoord’s expectations, hoping that the player’s willingness to join Roberto De Zerbi’s project and a five-year contractual agreement will be conducive to the success of this negotiation. De Zerbi also confirms the need for offensive reinforcements, while ruling out the Ivan Perisic track because of his wage claims deemed excessive.

At the same time, Valentin Rongier, transferred to Stade Rennais, quickly integrated into his new environment. Titled for the first time in a friendly match, the former OM captain was hailed by his coach Habib Beye for his ability to read the game, his leadership and his technical quality. Rongier, 30, seems to have been perfectly acclimatised in Rennes and his role as technical and mental leader should be a major asset for the reconstruction team. His excellent deal with Seko Fofana, another summer reinforcement, promises interesting prospects for the Breton interplay.

The departure of Valentin Rongier marks the end of a cycle for OM. Arriving in 2019, he played 197 games and was a regular captain under several coaches. His absence this season will leave an important gap, both in sport and in the dressing room, which the Marseille club will have to fill. Despite this, OM remains determined to get on the Peaceão track, considering the player as a potential holder with a technical and striking profile, perfectly suited to Roberto De Zerbi’s offensive vision.