OM: Departures, savings and a surprise recruit this winter?

As the winter transfer window opens, Olympique de Marseille seems to be banking on a measured approach, far from the summer madness of last year. With finances exhausted after massive recruitment, the Marseille club is favoring departures to reduce its payroll.

A priority: reduce the workforce

Several names are already circulating: Bamo Meïté, Amine Harit, Chancel Mbemba, Ruben Blanco and even Lilian Brassier could leave the ship. However, no transaction has yet been recorded, and certain situations remain unclear. This is the case of Ulisses Garcia, sidelined all summer but who could soon decide on his future.

As revealed by the daily La Provence in today’s edition, OM must absolutely reduce its workforce before considering any major operation.

Zalewski and the defensive changes planned

On the arrivals front, OM is hardly ambitious. The prestigious avenues leading to Benoît Badiashile (Chelsea) or Jakub Kiwior (Arsenal) already seem closed, financial constraints having cooled the Marseille leaders.

On the other hand, the club is very interested in Nicola Zalewski, versatile full-back from AS Roma, whose contract expires next June. This promising player could embody one of the rare reinforcements in a transfer window where madness is not on the agenda. Roberto De Zerbi, satisfied with the current balance of his group, favors minimal adjustments so as not to disrupt the dynamic in place.

OM on a tightrope, but on the lookout

With the transfer window scheduled to close on February 3, OM has one month to adjust its squad. If the departures continue, the club could then afford one or two additional recruits. But for now, caution is required.

Marseille supporters, hoping for a flamboyant transfer window, risk being disappointed. However, in this tense economic context, OM could also surprise. An unexpected sale or fortunate opportunity could change the situation at any time.