Who is Kiliann Sildillia, OM’s latest find?

Olympique de Marseille is working hard during this summer transfer window. Deprived of Europe next season, the Marseille club remains, despite everything, one of the main players during this summer window. With this in mind, the last 8th of Ligue 1, carried by its tandem Pablo Longoria-Medhi Benatia, has already made official the arrivals of Ismaël Koné, Lilian Brassier, Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. Furthermore and according to our latest information, the Olympian team is about to afford Valentin Carboni. In addition to these expenses, the Marseille management is also working on departures. If Vitinha (Genoa), Iliman Ndiaye (Everton), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Al Qadisiyah), Konrad De la Fuente (Lausanne) and Jonathan Clauss (OGC Nice) have already left the Phocaean city, and Ismaila Sarr should do the same soon, some undesirables are still resisting…

One thing is certain, with the recent departure of Jonathan Clauss, OM must strengthen the right wing of its defense despite the presence of Pol Lirola and Amir Murillo. With this in mind, The Parisian indicated, this Thursday evening, that the upper echelons of the Olympics had decided to take action for a certain Kiliann Sildillia, who is currently competing in the 2024 Olympic Games with Thierry Henry’s selection. In the last few hours, the regional daily even specified that the Marseille board had already convinced the main person concerned to join the Phocaean city and that a first offer, the amount of which has not been leaked, had been sent to the Breisgau-Brazilian. The opportunity to take a closer look at the profile of the Metz native, linked to the German team until June 2026.

A promising and already experienced profile…

After having learned all his trades under the Grenats jersey, the 22-year-old right-back has established himself as an undisputed starter at SC Fribourg. Capable of playing both on the right wing and in central defence (his training position), Sildillia displays a certain versatility, which has allowed him to frequent the national youth selections and therefore to be called up for the Olympic tournament. A French international hopeful, who also has European experience, his skills logically caught the eye of Roberto De Zerbi, the new architect of OM. With 85 professional matches (147 in total), Sildillia stands out mainly for his defensive solidity. At 1m86 tall, the right-hander – estimated at €15M by the specialist site Transfermarkt – has in particular a very good heading game, while demonstrating a certain authority in duels. Fast and noted for his volume of play, the new Olympian target can also boast undeniable offensive qualities.

Last season, during the 38 matches played with Fribourg (1 goal and 1 assist), Sildillia particularly seduced the residents of the Europa-Park-Stadion with his long game and his risk-taking. A key point in the philosophy defended by the new Marseille coach. Be wary, however, because if the young French talent still has a lot of room for improvement, a few flaws can, despite everything, be pointed out. A relatively logical observation given his age. Thus, if his profile seems perfectly compatible with De Zerbi’s football, the Messin will still have to toughen up, particularly in high-pressure matches. Guilty of a certain technical waste, particularly in big matches, the current number 25 of Fribourg will, moreover, have to reduce his number of fouls committed. Areas for improvement which could, however, quickly come to fruition given his rigour and the ability of the new Marseille technician to perfect the youngest talents on the football planet…