Every Friday at 1 p.m., a live show is devoted to the news of the Mercato of Olympique de Marseille. Discussions focused on possible departures of players such as Rongier, Mbemba, Bennacer and Ouahib, as well as potential arrivals of Aubameyang, Paixão, Weah and Endrick. The Mercato Marseilles will be particularly lively, especially in central defence, where the club seeks to strengthen its staff.

The LOSC’s central defender, Bafodé Diakité, had been considered by the Marseille leaders to meet this need. However, his departure for the Premier League made this track financially unattainable for OM. Walid Achercoura, consultant on Winamax FC, regrets that OM did not bet more on this player, stressing its potential and high cost, estimated between 35 and 40 million euros. Diakité, an international French hope, should therefore continue his career in England, since Bournemouth had apparently reached an agreement for an amount close to 40 million euros.

The Olympique de Marseille, under the presidency of Pablo Longoria and the sports management of Mehdi Benatia, is actively looking for defensive reinforcements, due to the departures and uncertainties concerning certain key players. If the Diakité track seems permanently ruled out, the club will have to look at more affordable options. This case illustrates OM’s financial difficulty in competing with English clubs. The search for a new central defender therefore remains a top priority before the season resumes.