Mehdi Benatia, the sporting advisor for Olympique de Marseille, has emphasized the importance of patience and support for young forward Elye Wahi as he navigates early challenges at his new club. Since joining Marseille from RC Lens for €25 million this past summer, Wahi's performance has included 12 matches, 2 goals, and 1 assist to date.
Speaking on the RMC show, After Foot, Benatia discussed Wahi’s struggles. "For the young players arriving, it's tougher. Take Wahi, for example: he had three big chances against Reims and left to jeers from the crowd. We invested in him; he has the credentials. We wanted to reignite the push. He has lots of qualities,” Benatia said, stressing the need for the club and fans to support the player. "He is still young, and it’s important not to boo him at the Vélodrome. I felt he had a genuine desire to come here. We need to help him. He has what it takes to succeed here, but we need to believe and give him the time he needs." (RMC)
Wahi's rocky start has raised eyebrows, particularly as he has recently found himself on the bench behind Neal Maupay. Benatia's comments came as the club prepares for the 32nd round of the Coupe de France against AS Saint-Etienne, scheduled for December 22. Wahi's position remains precarious as the season progresses and rumors swirl about his potential departure.
The future seems uncertain for Wahi, as reports have suggested the club is considering loaning him out if he cannot regain his place in the first team. Montpellier, currently struggling near the bottom of Ligue 1, has expressed interest. Club president Laurent Nicollin stated, "If Olympique de Marseille covers his salary and loans him to us, and if he wants to spend six months with us," adding conditions to potentially make the transfer happen. (Midi Libre)
Despite this interest, Pablo Longoria, president of OM, responded firmly to such rumors, declaring it "out of the question" for Wahi to be loaned. "We really believe in Elye's potential. He is not leaving us this January, and that's it," Longoria emphasized, showing the club's commitment to Wahi even amid mounting pressures from fan expectations.
This situation poses questions for both the player and the club. Will Wahi stay and fight for his place, or will he, for his own benefit, seek more playing time elsewhere? With Montpellier urging for his return, should the young striker opt for the former, he might risk stagnation or worse, confidence eroding from lack of opportunities.
Fans have been vocal, showing frustration over his performance. Many support Wahi, recognizing the warrant for nurturing young talent. Gradual integration and development have become part of Marseille’s philosophy, particularly under current management, which has sought to bring promising players to the club.
One fan stated, "We want to see him succeed, but we just haven’t seen the potential yet. He needs time to settle and understand what it feels like to play under serious pressure. The fans need to back changes; it’s part of the game. Let's hope he can turn the tide." The voices from the terraces form distinct support and skepticism for Wahi moving forward.
While the upcoming matches will be telling, Wahi must leverage any opportunity presented to him, especially if he is to carve out his niche within the team. With the transfer window opening shortly, the pressure on both Wahi and management mounts as they look to find the best routes toward success.
The pressure is palpable, but the faith expressed by Benatia and management demonstrates the club's commitment to helping the young star adapt and shine moving forward. Can patience coincide with results as both Elye Wahi and Olympique de Marseille navigate this challenging winter season? Only time will tell.
