Neal Maupay’s arrival in Marseilles after a mixed visit to Everton sparked a debate among French football observers. Yacine Yousfi, in an uncompromising analysis, highlights the player’s average level, while recognizing his commitment and character. However, he questioned his outright football contribution, believing that his current salary was disproportionate to his present value. This criticism is a recurrent reproach, a legacy of his years in the Premier League, and contrasts with his current performances, despite a brief revival of his form during his loan to Brentford. Yousfi concludes that Maupay is a useful player in rotation, bringing energy and depth, but not an indisputable player for an ambitious League 1 club. Under the direction of Roberto De Zerbi, he will have to accept an offensive support role, and his ability to channel his temperament and regain effectiveness in front of the goal will determine his contribution, provided that his salary requirements do not compromise the financial health of the club.

Coach Roberto De Zerbi approached the competition between Pierre-Emerik Aubameyang and Amine Gouiri pragmatically, rejecting the idea of a strict hierarchy between the two attackers. For De Zerbi, this is more of a complement and a depth of manpower necessary for a marathon season. He even envisages the possibility that they can play together, stressing that each player will have their chance given the busy schedule of OM, with potentially 44 or more games to play this season. Although he doesn’t want to prioritize, De Zerbi has recognized that some players like Rabiot, Greenwood and Höjbjerg may have more play time. He sees competition as an engine of performance and stresses the need to use all the team’s assets.

The strengthening of the defensive sector remains a priority for the Olympique de Marseille, and the name Joël Ordóñez returns with insistence. Negotiations with the Brugge Club have been relaunched, and the young Ecuadorian defender is determined to join the Marseille club. OM and Club Brugge have resumed discussions for a transfer that could materialise if positions are closer. For De Zerbi, the arrival of Ordóñez would bring reinforcement and competition in the defence axis. The Belgian club is already exploring other defensive tracks, indicating that the Ordóñez file is well under way and that an agreement could be reached soon. This transfer could be instrumental in strengthening a defensive sector that is still considered to be perfectable.