The Mercato de l’Olympique de Marseille is undergoing a major change concerning the arrival of Florentino Luis. Initially, OM had tried an approach with a paid loan proposal and a purchase option of 20 million euros, but Benfica refused, wanting a higher valuation of its player. Burnley now seems to be in the process of concluding the arrival of the Portuguese milieu, with an offer of EUR 2 million in loan costs plus 24 million purchase obligation, accepted by Benfica. This progress leaves OM disappointed, as Florentino Luis was perceived as an ideal back-up for the midfielder, thanks to its volume of play and its ability to recover balloons. Faced with the financial power of the English clubs, Marseille could not align itself, and the player should therefore join the Premier League rather than the Ligue 1.

At the same time, OM is stepping up its efforts to recruit the young Equinatorian defender Joël Ordóñez, 21 years old and currently playing at Club Bruges. The player himself clearly expresses his willingness to join Marseille, rejecting the offers of several Premier League clubs. Discussions between OM and Bruges are progressing, but the Belgian club is demanding a large sum, estimated at around 40 million euros, despite its recent qualification for the Champions League. For Pablo Longoria and Mehdhi Benatia, the signature of a central defender remains a priority after the defensive weaknesses of last season, and Ordóñez is seen as an ideal reinforcement to strengthen the central hinge.

Despite Bruges’ strong competition and financial requirements, OM remains committed to getting on with this issue. The arrival of Benjaimin Pavard is also monitored, but attention is mainly focused on Ordóñez, who is pushing internally for a start to Marseille, seduced by the project and the opportunity to play in the Champions League. Bruges, for his part, did not wish to separate himself from his young talents, especially after his qualification in C1. OM still hopes to reach an agreement before the end of the mercato on 1 September, and the Ordóñez file may well fly in the last hours of the market if the positions remain distant.