OM: Longoria further than Tapie

If Bernard Tapie used to change an average of a third of the OM squad each season, Pablo Longoria goes much further than the methods of the “Boss” in the 1980s and 1990s.

Will we recognize theOM

at the start of the season? The question arises as the Provençal club gives the impression of carrying out a major overhaul of its squad. Pablo Longoria has made a habit of creating a lot of movement during transfer periods, much more than the illustrious



Bernard Tapiethe president of the golden years (1986-1994).

The young Spanish manager, 38 since last month, is tackling all the lines in this summer of 2024. Goalkeeper Pau Lopez is no longer wanted but his replacement is slow. In defense, Jonathan Clauss, Chancel Mbemba, Samuel Gigot, and even Leonardo Balerdi, are potential starters, the media have been writing for several weeks.

Moumbagna, the only center forward

In midfield, the Marseille club saw the departure of Pape Gueye (Villarreal), Jean Onana (return from loan to Besiktas) and Mattéo Guendouzi (permanent transfer to Lazio). Jordan Veretout, Azzedine Ounahi and Geoffrey Kondogbia would not be retained, on the contrary.

In the attacking sector, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Al-Qadsiah – Saudi Arabia), Vitinha (Genoa), Iliman N’Diaye (Everton), Joaquin Correa (returning from loan to Inter) and Konrad de La Fuente (Lausanne Sport) are no longer there, soon to be followed by Ismaïla Sarr, promised to Crystal Palace for 15 million euros.

A three-year plan

In return, OM recruited central defenders Lilian Brassier (Brest) and Bamo Meïté (permanent transfer from Lorient), midfielders Ismaël Koné (Watford) and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Tottenham), then winger Mason Greenwood (Manchester United).

According to Provence As of Thursday, Pablo Longoria and Mehdi Benatia, his strategic advisor, are working on seven positions: goalkeeper, left back, two midfielders, right winger, left winger and a center forward.

This profound restructuring is supposed to satisfy Roberto de Zerbi. The new Italian coach of OM would be part of the stability plan mentioned by Pablo Longoria, over three years. We would like to believe it.