Olympique de Marseille plans summer overhaul amid financial constraints

Olympique de Marseille is evaluating a range of measures to reshape its squad and finances ahead of the new season. Without a concrete offer for midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia, the club may release him from the final year of his contract to cut a €450,000‑per‑month wage burden.

Club president Stéphane Richard has announced two high‑profile preseason friendlies – Athletic Bilbao on 9 August and Atlético Madrid on 14 August – aimed at filling the Vélodrome, generating revenue and rebuilding the bond with disgruntled supporters after a disappointing campaign.

Former Lyon president Jean‑Michel Aulas praised coach Bruno Genesio’s appointment, emphasizing the challenge of handling pressure at Marseille. Meanwhile, sporting director Grégory Lorenzi is operating more as a financial overseer, tasked with trimming the wage bill and navigating a zero‑transfer‑budget summer. The club is reportedly eyeing a season‑long loan of Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio with a conditional €15 million purchase clause, reflecting a cautious approach to squad reinforcement.

Analysts note that the austerity drive could foster a tighter squad spirit, while critics warn that lack of reinforcements may hinder competitiveness in Ligue 1 and the Europa League.