Journalist Bertrand Latour described Benjamin Pavard’s arrival at the Olympique de Marseille as a major blow, surpassing even the transfer of Adrien Rabiot the previous summer because of the status and experience of the French defender. Latour points out that this signature exceeds the usual OM standards, highlighting the fact that Pavard was the final winner of the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain. He insists on the profile and motivation of Pavard, who leaves Inter Milan with some 60 selections in the French team, not out of spite, but with a real desire to join OM. Latour sees this transfer as a huge blow for the Marseille club, realized not out of necessity but by a choice of will.

The transfer of Adrien Rabiot to AC Milan revealed a particularity regarding the renegotiation of a resale clause. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Rabiot and his entourage agreed to reduce the initial 30% share of the transfer to 15%, in order to facilitate negotiations between the two clubs. This concession, while potentially reducing the player’s financial gain, illustrates the willingness of all parties to conclude the transaction quickly. The amount of the transfer, estimated at EUR 10 million, corresponds to a gentlemen’s agreement between OM and Milan. Rabiot, now engaged with Milan until June 2028, left Marseille in a tense context following an altercation with a teammate.

Daniel Riolo, journalist for RMC, analyzed OM’s summer mercato, welcoming the quality of the strength reinforced by twelve new recruits arriving in the last hours of the mercato. He points out that there has not been such a strong staff in Marseille for years, and that this strengthening at all levels is beneficial to the club. However, Riolo wonders about the timing of these late arrivals, especially in a context of recent difficulties and uncertainty around the coach. He explained that the cost of transfers was lower at the end of mercato, making these transactions more traditional. OM has thus completed its roster with renowned players such as Pavard, Aubameyang and Paixão, while recording significant departures, confirming a complete overhaul of the team.