# Marseille transfer market July‑Aug 2026 – Update 12 > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/akor-adams-transfer-speculation > Updated: 2026-08-05T13:30:24.000Z. Sources: 47. Developments: 29. Olympique Marseille continues to operate on a near‑zero‑euro budget for the 2026‑27 season, aiming for a €90 million net transfer profit by June 2027. The club’s wage ceiling remains €100,000 gross per month (with a €150,000 exception) to keep total payroll under €100 million and satisfy DNCG and UEFA limits. Defence stays the priority. Negotiations for centre‑back Jean‑Claude Todibo (West Ham) persist, with Marseille preferring a loan‑with‑option structure while West Ham demands a permanent fee. The club also targets free‑agent defenders such as Djibril Sidibé and has linked a €10 million sale of CJ Egan‑Riley to fund the wage‑cut plan. A loan of Hamed Junior Traoré to Genoa, including an €8 million purchase option, was completed, and the club is preparing a further loan‑with‑option for the same player. In attack, Marseille has repeatedly been linked with Sevilla striker Akor Adams. Initial bids of €18‑20 million have been reported, with Sevilla’s asking price later said to have fallen to €15 million, but the player has denied any concrete talks. The club also signed 18‑year‑old forward Jephthe Malanda on a three‑year deal and is monitoring free agents Riyad Mahrez, Hidemasa Morita and other low‑cost options. Mid‑fielder Himad Abdelli, after a summer weight loss, faces criticism over fitness, while striker Amine Gouiri, now with 11 goals and 5 assists, remains a key asset amid interest from Napoli and Turkish clubs. Financial pressure has forced the sale or loan of high‑earners such as Facundo Medina, Nayef Aguerd, and the stalled N'Golo Kanté deal, while the club seeks to raise close to €100 million through player exits. Overall, Marseille’s summer strategy combines aggressive player sales, selective low‑cost signings and loan deals to rebalance its books before the Ligue 1 campaign. ## Claims - Leonardo Balerdi, Facundo Medina and Nayef Aguerd could all leave Olympique de Marseille this summer. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Olympique de Marseille is interested in signing Jean-Clair Todibo from West Ham United. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Jean‑Claude Todibo is close to a loan deal with West Ham involving a €5 million loan fee and a €20 million purchase option that becomes mandatory after ten appearances. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Bayer Leverkusen is negotiating to buy defender Facundo Medina from Olympique de Marseille for at least €20 million. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Thomas Meunier's agreement with Olympique de Marseille fell through because of the club's financial constraints. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Olympique de Marseille has set a salary ceiling of €100,000 gross per month for new signings, with a maximum of €150,000 for exceptions. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Olympique de Marseille must reduce its wage bill below €100 million to satisfy DNCG and UEFA. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Olympique de Marseille must reduce its wage bill below €100 million to satisfy the DNCG and UEFA. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Director sportif Gregory Lorenzi is targeting low‑cost signings such as Evann Guessand and Ludovic Blas. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Jean‑Clark Todibo has agreed to join Olympique de Marseille. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The transfer fee between West Ham United and Olympique de Marseille has not been finalized. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Todibo's contract with Olympique de Marseille could run until 2031. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-05: French clubs reshape squads in summer transfer window Marseille, PSG, Rennes and Lyon drive major transfer activity: Marseille aims to sell 12 players for €100 M, PSG chases Ferran Torres, Rennes targets Martin Terrier, and Lyon loans Orel Mangala to Getafe. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/orel-mangala-nearing-exit-from-olympique-lyonnais ### 2026-07-31: Marseille keeps Alexi Koum while Lyon eyes Ecuadorian defender Virgilio Olaya Marseille retains young defender Alexi Koum as Emerson’s backup, while Lyon pursues Ecuadorian prospect Virgilio Olaya amid European interest. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marseille-keeps-alexi-koum-while-lyon-eyes-ecuadorian-defender-virgilio-olaya ### 2026-07-30: Olympique de Marseille overhauls transfer market as finances force player sales Marseille must slash wages below €100 M, targets low‑cost signings, extends Kamissoko, and faces possible sales of Balerdi, Medina and Aguerd, while a Meunier deal collapsed. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jean-clair-todibo-set-to-join-olympique-de-marseille-as-club-seeks-defensive-reinforcement ### 2026-07-26: Olympique de Marseille eyes free agents and pushes for defender Jean-Clair Todibo Olympique de Marseille targets free‑agent signings, including Djibril Sidibé, while fans overwhelmingly back defender Jean‑Clair Todibo, though transfer terms are still unsettled. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympique-de-marseille-eyes-free-agents-and-pushes-for-defender-jean-clair-todibo ### 2026-07-24: Olympique de Marseille negotiates transfer of defender Jean-Clair Todibo from West Ham Olympique de Marseille aims to sign defender Jean‑Claire Todibo from West Ham, but the clubs clash over loan versus permanent transfer terms. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympique-de-marseille-negotiates-transfer-of-defender-jean-clair-todibo-from-west-ham ### 2026-07-18: Olympique de Marseille faces criticism and transfer uncertainty ahead of new season Marseille’s preseason sees Himad Abdelli criticised for fitness, coach Genesio promises squad changes, and Amine Gouiri linked with Napoli, Turkish and Italian clubs amid financial constraints. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympique-de-marseille-faces-amine-gouiri-transfer-talks-and-himad-abdelli-fitness-criticism ### 2026-07-17: OM and OL bolstered by signings Gouiri and Ouédraogo Marseille’s Amine Gouiri thrives under coach Bruno Genesio while Lyon’s Mohamed Ouédraogo impresses in preseason, strengthening both clubs’ squads. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/om-and-ol-bolstered-by-signings-gouiri-and-oudraogo ### 2026-07-15: Olympique de Marseille adopts frugal transfer plan amid financial pressure, Leca sporting director rumor OM, under new sporting director Gregory Lorenzi, pursues a low‑cost transfer strategy and faces a rumor that RC Lens boss Jean‑Louis Leca might take its sporting director post. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympique-de-marseille-adopts-frugal-transfer-plan-amid-financial-pressure-leca-sporting-director-ru ### 2026-07-12: Olympique de Marseille loans Hamed Traoré to Genoa with €8 million buy option Olympique de Marseille has loaned midfielder Hamed Traoré to Genoa with an €8 million+ purchase option, part of a plan to slash its €163 million wage bill, alongside other high‑salary exits such as Mason Green‑ 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympique-de-marseille-loan-hamed-junior-traor-to-genoa ### 2026-07-12: Olympique de Marseille eyes Mahrez, Gouiri and Sarr in summer market Marseille targets Mahrez, Gouiri and free defender Sarr while navigating a tight budget, with sporting director Lorenzi aided by Benatia and Balzaretti in the summer transfer push. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympique-marseille-rejects-8-million-offer-and-pursues-free-defender-malang-sarr ### 2026-07-12: Olympique de Marseille pursues Azzedine Ounahi deal as former director Medhi Benatia remains influential Olympique de Marseille is negotiating Azzedine Ounahi’s possible move to Ajax, with a future‑sale clause that could net the club €5 million, while ex‑director Medhi Benatia continues to influence transfer deals 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ajax-opens-talks-to-sign-moroccan-midfielder-azzedine-ounahi-from-girona ### 2026-07-11: Olympique de Marseille seeks €45m Rowe sale while Benatia remains key transfer adviser Olympique de Marseille may earn €4.5 m from a €45 m Chelsea bid for Jonathan Rowe, while former director Medhi Benatia continues to advise the club on transfers. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympique-de-marseille-seeks-45m-rowe-sale-while-benatia-remains-key-transfer-adviser ### 2026-07-11: Olympique de Marseille pursues West Ham defender Jean-Clair Todibo despite financial obstacles Marseille aim to sign West Ham centre‑back Jean‑Claude Todibo, who wants to leave after relegation, but West Ham demand a €22 million permanent deal that Marseille cannot afford. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympique-de-marseille-pursues-west-ham-defender-jean-clair-todibo-despite-financial-obstacles ### 2026-07-10: Olympique Marseille and Lyon pursue new attackers amid transfer rush Marseille targets Haissem Hassan and pushes for a higher fee for Greenwood, Lyon eyes Loïs Openda, and Ajax negotiates for Azzedine Ounahi as the European summer transfer market intensifies. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympique-de-marseille-targets-90-m-player-sales-to-avert-financial-sanctions ### 2026-07-09: Hidemasa Morita's Premier League hopes fade as French clubs show interest Japanese midfielder Hidemasa Morita, now a free agent, sees his Premier League ambitions wane as French clubs Marseille, Lyon and Monaco express interest. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japans-midfielder-ema-morita-sees-premier-league-dream-fade-french-clubs-show-interest ### 2026-07-09: Olympique de Marseille pursues striker Akor Adams and midfielder Hidemasa Morita Marseille aim to sign Nigeria’s Akor Adams for €15 m and free‑agent Japanese midfielder Hidemasa Morita to bolster attack and midfield ahead of Ligue 1. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympique-de-marseille-pursues-striker-akor-adams-and-midfielder-hidemasa-morita ### 2026-07-09: Himad Abdelli aims to win place at Olympique Marseille after summer weight loss Himad Abdelli lost about eight kg over the summer and seeks a regular role at Olympique Marseille under new coach Bruno Genesio after prior conflicts with Habib Beye. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/himad-abdelli-aims-to-win-place-at-olympique-marseille-after-summer-weight-loss ### 2026-07-06: Olympique de Marseille eyes Hamed Traoré loan, Jean-Clair Todibo move Olympique de Marseille plans a loan for Hamed Traoré to Genoa and pursues defender Jean‑Claude Todibo from West Ham, balancing squad needs with salary considerations. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympique-de-marseille-eyes-hamed-traor-loan-jean-clair-todibo-move ### 2026-07-02: Olympique de Marseille faces transfer budget squeeze, loses youth defender to Chelsea Olympique de Marseille's transfer budget is near zero, prompting low‑cost signings and cancelled fan airport trips; the club set a condition for Gouiri’s exit and lost youth defender Alfie Osborne to Chelsea. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympique-de-marseille-faces-constrained-summer-transfer-window ### 2026-07-01: Olympique de Marseille to offload Hamed Junior Traoré to Genoa Marseille's Hamed Junior Traoré, limited by injuries, is in talks to join Italy's Genoa, potentially on loan with an option to buy or a long‑term deal. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympique-de-marseille-to-offload-hamed-junior-traor-to-genoa ### 2026-06-27: Olympique Marseille eye €10m sale of defender CJ Egan‑Riley Olympique Marseille may sell defender CJ Egan‑Riley for around €10 million, a profit on his free‑transfer signing that could ease owner Frank McCourt’s financial pressures. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympique-marseille-eye-10m-sale-of-defender-cj-eganriley ### 2026-06-26: Sevilla rejects €10m Venezia bid for Nigerian striker Akor Adams Sevilla turned down a €10 million bid from Venezia for Nigerian striker Akor Adams, who scored ten goals last season and is valued at about €25 million amid broader transfer interest. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sevilla-rejects-10m-venezia-bid-for-nigerian-striker-akor-adams ### 2026-06-22: Akor Adams linked with €20 million move from Sevilla to Olympique Marseille Sevilla's striker Akor Adams is the main target of Olympique Marseille, with a €20 million fee expected, amid Sevilla's financial need and squad rebuild. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/akor-adams-linked-with-20-million-move-from-sevilla-to-olympique-marseille ### 2026-06-20: Olympique de Marseille signs youngster Malanda, eyes transfer of Hamed Traoré to Genoa Marseille sign 18‑year‑old striker Jephthe Malanda from Lille and are close to transferring Ivorian winger Hamed Traoré to Genoa to cut costs. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympique-de-marseille-signs-youngster-malanda-eyes-transfer-of-hamed-traor-to-genoa ### 2026-06-19: Olympique de Marseille faces financial crisis, limiting summer transfer options Marseille's financial woes force player sales, scrap a Malang Sarr deal and see Ethan Nwaneri's loan fail, while the club eyes low‑cost signings and a new coach. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympique-de-marseille-signs-lille-striker-jephthe-malanda-targets-freetransfer-defender-malang-sarr ### 2026-06-15: Olympique de Marseille faces transfer hurdles amid financial strain Marseille targets Akor Adams but faces a €20‑25 million price tag amid financial woes, while considering the off‑load of underused midfielder Himad Abdelli, with Lille showing interest. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympique-de-marseilles-summer-transfer-options-limited-by-finances ### 2026-06-09: Olympique Marseille eyes Sevilla striker Akor Adams in €18‑25m deal Olympique Marseille is prepared to meet Sevilla's €25 million price for striker Akor Adams, offering €18 million and a possible Neal Maupay swap as his market value climbs after a 10‑goal season. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympique-marseille-eyes-sevilla-striker-akor-adams-in-1825m-deal ### 2026-06-08: Olympique de Marseille eyes Sevilla striker Akor Adams in €20m bid Olympique de Marseille is preparing a €20 million bid, possibly with Neal Maupay, for Sevilla’s striker Akor Adams, who says he has not heard any transfer talks. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympique-de-marseille-eyes-sevilla-striker-akor-adams-in-20m-bid ### 2026-06-05: Sevilla striker Akor Adams dismisses Marseille transfer links Sevilla’s Akor Adams dismisses Marseille’s €18 m offer, says he’s happy at the club and focused on Nigeria’s friendly with Portugal. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sevilla-striker-akor-adams-dismisses-marseille-transfer-links --- Cite as: Marseille transfer market July‑Aug 2026 – Update 12. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/akor-adams-transfer-speculation