The Olympique de Marseille is actively pursuing the search for defensive reinforcements for the end of the summer mercato. Brighton’s Brazilian defender, Igor Julio, remains a privileged profile for the Marseille recruitment cell, as confirmed by the Team’s information. This 26-year-old player, already led by Roberto De Zerbi in the Premier League, is part of a trio of targets, alongside Joel Ordóñez of Club Bruges and Nayef Aguerd of West Ham. The Italian coach gives Julio great confidence, enjoying his combativeness, his reading of the game and his technical profile, in line with his vision of the game. Although no concrete movement has yet been formalized, the relationship between the coach and the player could be decisive for OM. The Marseille management has a significant budget margin to strengthen its workforce, particularly in the direction and on the sides, especially given the departure of Quentin Merlin, which leaves a vacuum in defence.

At the same time, the Olympique de Marseille seems to have set a price deemed too high by the Saudi team of Al-Nassr for Mason Greenwood, despite the club’s definite interest in the English striker. According to Fabrizio Romano, a transfer this summer appears unlikely under current conditions. Greenwood, recruited to be a key element of De Zerbi’s project, has already seduced the Marseille staff by his talent and ability to make a difference in offensive spaces. De Zerbi relies on him to boost the attack, alongside players like Rowe, Gouiri and Aubameyang. OM plans to build a long-term competitive team, and Greenwood is a central element of this strategy.

In short, OM focuses its efforts on strengthening its defensive sector with tracks like Igor Julio, while seeking to retain its key players like Mason Greenwood. The club’s budget management and De Zerbi’s willingness to build a competitive team over time are important factors in these decisions. The future of summer mercato for the Olympique de Marseille will therefore be decisive in ensuring the club’s competitiveness on all tables.