Olympique de Marseille faces key player departures

Olympique de Marseille (OM) is facing significant squad changes as two key players prepare to depart.

Emerson Palmieri has reportedly signed a pre-contract with the Brazilian club Santos. The Italian left-back intends to leave Marseille as a free agent this winter, despite having a contract that runs until June 2027. Palmieri, who wishes to reunite with Neymar at Santos, intends to return to the club where he was trained. This move presents a tactical challenge for coach Bruno Genesio, as Palmieri has been a regular starter.

Simultaneously, defender Leonardo Balerdi has officially said goodbye to OM following an agreement with AS Roma. The transfer is structured as a loan deal worth one million euros, which includes a conditional purchase option of 13 million euros. The permanent transfer is contingent upon Roma qualifying for the Europa League and Balerdi meeting specific playing time requirements.