The Olympique de Marseille is entering the new season with an ambition to play a major role, reinforced by several renowned recruits such as Aubameyang, Greenwood, and Gouriou. However, Walid Acherchour, a journalist for RMC Sport, tempers these expectations by stressing the need for OM to remain realistic and humble. He believes that despite promising recruitment, there is still a gap between OM and Paris Saint-Germain, a team he considers untouchable after his victory in the Champions League. Acherchour insists on the importance of regularity and concrete results so that OM can claim at the summits, stressing that the victory against the PSG and the reduction of defeats against teams like Reims and Auxerre are crucial steps.

The article also discusses a failed transfer of Mbaye Niang in 2019, an event that could have marked a turning point in her career. Niang himself recounts the details of this opportunity, explaining that he was very eager to join OM because of his personal ties with the city and the encouragement of former sports director Olivier Letaing. Despite attractive offers from other clubs, Niang had placed OM at the top of his list. However, changes in strategy within the club, including the arrival of Pablo Longoria, led to the abandonment of this project.

Today free of any contract, Mbaye Niang regrets this missed appointment with OM. Its history illustrates the fragility of football transfer projects and how strategic decisions can impact a player’s career. The article points out that despite the positive momentum around OM, competition remains fierce and that building a sustainable project requires patience, work and constant results on the ground.