The Olympique de Marseille is actively pursuing its summer mercato, with a strong interest for the young Ecuadorian central defender Joel Ordóñez, currently playing at Club Bruges. In order to finance this potential recruit, OM is seriously considering separating from Jonathan Rowe, a player appreciated by the staff and supporters for his commitment, but who has failed to win as an indisputable holder. Laurent Spinosia, former OM goaltender coach, felt that Rowe’s departure could be a strategic solution to allow the arrival of Ordóñez, thus strengthening the Marseille defence, which sometimes showed weaknesses in the previous season. The Olympian leadership must therefore make a quick decision: prefer rotation with Rowe or bet on the defensive strength Ordóñez would bring.

As the start of the 2025-2026 season of Ligue 1 approached, Roberto De Zerbi unveiled the list of 21 players selected for the opening game against Stade Rennais. This list reveals some notable absences, including Facundo Medina suspended and Igor Paixão uncertain due to injury. Pol Lirola, Neal Maupay and Abdallah are also absent, the latter being ruled out by the coach. On the other hand, Timothy Weah, who had been seen with a training strap, appears well in the group, offering an additional option on the right flank.

The composition of the team for this first match will be a challenge for De Zerbi, who will have to deal with a reorganized defense and test new associations. The new recruit, Angel Gomes, is expected as a midfielder. OM, victorious in the last game at Roazhon Park, hopes for a good start for the season and will have to be strong defensively to compete with the other contenders in the European squares. This first shock will offer the opportunity to test different combinations and prepare the future of the team.