With the winter transfer window closing on February 3, 2025, Olympique de Marseille (OM) is under significant pressure to secure reinforcements for its attack, particularly following the departure of Elye Wahi to Eintracht Frankfurt. The club's head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, has publicly emphasized the urgency of finding a capable forward, stating, "If Wahi leaves, we will get a strong player." This declaration underlines the club's determination to not only replace Wahi but to also strengthen their position heading forward.
So far, the prospects have been challenging. OM had initially targeted Norweigian striker Alexander Sorloth, currently with Atlético Madrid, as one of their top priorities to fill the number nine role left vacant by Wahi. Despite the interest from Marseille, sources reveal Sorloth remains unconvinced about joining the club and is not fully on board with their plans, which means this option may fall through.
Continuing the search, OM has also set their eyes on Alvaro Morata of AC Milan. Unfortunately for the Marseille club, Morata appears to be leaning more toward joining Galatasaray instead, leaving the team with fewer options as the deadline looms.
It is not all doom and gloom for Marseille, as they have turned their focus to Amine Gouiri, the 24-year-old Algerian striker currently contracted with Stade Rennais. Gouiri has drawn attention due to his versatility and experience within Ligue 1, having previously played for clubs like Lyon and Nice before making his way to Rennes. Despite initial resistance from Rennes, who have rebuffed multiple offers from OM, the Phocaeans seem determined to secure the player. Their initial tactics included offering 2 million euros for a loan with a mandatory purchase clause of 10 million euros, but this proposal was turned down.
Recent reports indicate the Marseille side has recently increased their offer. Previous documents of 16, 18, 20, and even 21 million euros, including bonuses, have failed to coax Rennes, with the latter standing firm on their valuation of Gouiri, rumored to be around 25 million euros.
Gouiri himself has commented on the buzz surrounding his future, emphasizing his focus on the current season with Rennes, stating, "I’m focused 100% on the club. I haven’t thought about anything else... For now, I am here, and I am well." His words add another layer of intrigue to the transfer saga, highlighting both his own commitment to Rennes and the balancing act Marseille must navigate to land their target.
While pushing ardently for Gouiri, Marseille's plans do not rest solely on this deal. The club also has its eyes on Lloyd Kelly, currently with Newcastle, as they look to add depth to their defense during this frantic period of acquisitions. With only hours remaining until the transfer window closes, the urgency at OM is palpable, particularly as competing clubs like Juventus and Borussia Dortmund also have expressed interest in Kelly.
Marseille's director Mehdi Benatia has been actively engaging with his Renaissance counterpart, Frédéric Massara, to find common ground for both the Gouiri and Kelly transfers—encouraged by established contacts and good relations between the clubs. This could potentially lead to multiple transactions, with gossip swirling about other players like Lilian Brassier possibly heading to Rennes as part of any deal.
Yet, as time runs short, it's clear the pressure is mounting on Marseille to strengthen its squad decisively. With De Zerbi's tactical acumen and player management being put to the test, the question remains whether they can finalize two significant signings before the window closes, ensuring they have the firepower needed to compete effectively for the rest of the season.
The ambitions of Marseille to be recognized as more than just participants but as contenders on the pitch reflect the wider aspirations of the club. They wish to affirm their status by securing solid signings, which is key to their strategy for the remainder of the season. All eyes are on the La Commanderie as fans await news on potential arrivals, hoping the looming deadline inspires decisive action.