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Olympique de Marseille faces transfer setbacks and financial constraints
Olympique de Marseille is facing significant challenges in its summer 2026 transfer window, particularly regarding goalkeeper recruitment. After failing to secure Marcin Bulka, the club’s pursuit of Polish international Kamil Grabara has also been rejected. Despite Grabara seeking a move from Wolfsburg following their relegation, he reportedly declined Marseille’s offer in favor of a project he deems “more attractive.”
As a result, Jeffrey de Lange is expected to start in goal for the upcoming match against RC Strasbourg. The club’s sporting director, Grégory Lorenzi, continues to explore other options, including Michele Di Gregorio from Torino and Guillaume Restes from Toulouse FC.
Financially, Marseille is operating under constraints. Following a net loss of 104.8 million euros in the 2025-2026 period, the DNCG has authorized the club to continue activities but has imposed restrictions on its wage bill and transfer allowances. The club’s projected budget for the 2026-2027 season is 185 million euros.
On the membership front, the club maintains a strong base with over 40,000 subscribers, though there has been a slight decrease compared to the previous season. Additionally, the club has secured young talent by signing 18-year-old midfielder Jephthe Malanda to his first professional contract through 2029.
Entities
Bruno Genesio · DNCG · Frank McCourt · Gregory Lorenzi · Jeffrey de Lange · Jephthe Malanda · Kamil Grabara · Olympique de Marseille · Wolfsburg
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Olympique de Marseille has until the end of the week to sell unwanted players to avoid selling untouchable assets.
- [DISPUTED] Mason Greenwood, Facundo Medina, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have already left the club. www.footballclubdemarseille.fr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Jephthe Malanda signed his first professional contract with Marseille on June 19, valid until June 2029. www.sport.fr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Transfers for Nayef Aguerd and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to Real Sociedad and Newcastle respectively have fallen through.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The club is under DNCG control and cannot afford new signings due to an excessive wage bill.