In a thrilling atmosphere at San Siro on April 2, 2025, Olympique Marseille's sporting director Mehdi Benatia was spotted attending the Coppa Italia quarter-final first leg between Milan and Inter. His presence was not just for the match; he was reportedly there to discuss a potential summer transfer for Brazilian winger Luis Henrique, who has been generating significant interest from several top clubs.
Benatia, who previously made his mark as a defender for Juventus, is keen on securing a deal for Henrique, who has been in scintillating form this season. According to reports from Sky Sport Italia, Inter Milan is leading the charge to acquire the talented 23-year-old, while Bayern Munich is also in the mix, having officially initiated talks with both Marseille and Henrique's representatives.
Henrique's impressive performance this season has made him a hot commodity in the transfer market. With seven goals and five assists in Ligue 1, along with two goals and two assists in the Coupe de France, he has proven to be a crucial player for Marseille. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, as multiple clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen, Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest, are reportedly vying for his signature.
As the transfer window approaches, Marseille is looking to cash in on Henrique, seeking a fee in the region of €30 million to €35 million. This valuation reflects the player's rise since arriving at the club in 2020, where he initially struggled to find his footing. However, after a successful loan spell at Botafogo last year, he returned to Marseille rejuvenated and has become an integral part of coach Roberto De Zerbi's system.
The competition for Henrique's services is fierce. Footmercato reported that not only is Inter keen, but they are also preparing to make an official offer in the coming weeks, aiming to bring him into the squad ahead of the Club World Cup. This urgency adds an extra layer of intrigue to the ongoing negotiations, as Inter looks to strengthen their roster for the crucial tournament.
Moreover, the relationship between Inter and Marseille could play a pivotal role in the negotiations. The two clubs have previously engaged in successful dealings, such as the transfers of players like Joaquín Correa and Valentín Carboni, which could facilitate a smoother transaction for Henrique.
Vincent Kompany, who was also in attendance at the derby, has expressed admiration for Henrique. He scouted the young winger during a recent match between PSG and Marseille, further highlighting the interest from clubs in the Bundesliga. The German teams are seen as strong competitors for Henrique, especially Bayern Munich, which has begun formal discussions regarding a potential transfer.
As the transfer saga unfolds, the stakes are high for all parties involved. Henrique's future remains uncertain, but his current form and the interest from top clubs suggest that he is on the brink of a significant move. The coming weeks will be crucial as negotiations heat up and clubs prepare their final bids.
In the meantime, the Coppa Italia quarter-final between Milan and Inter ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw, keeping both teams in contention for the title. The return leg promises to be equally thrilling, as both sides will look to secure their place in the semi-finals. As the action continues, all eyes will be on Henrique and his potential new home, with fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in his career.