Time is running out in Marseille, and Pablo Longoria is beginning to lose patience regarding the loft situation, which still comprises too many players just hours before the summer transfer window closes. Reports indicate that the OM president held a meeting last weekend with some unwanted players to convey the urgency of their circumstances and to inform them that they would not be part of Roberto De Zerbi’s professional squad if they remained.
At the Olympique de Marseille, the situation is dire. The summer transfer window will close on the evening of August 30, and the loft established by the duo of Pablo Longoria and Medhi Benatia has not cleared out as quickly as the president and sports advisor had hoped. So far, only Pau Lopez has departed for Girona, while the remaining unwanted players under Roberto De Zerbi are still present in Marseille.
Transfer window – OM: Surprise, an agreement is announced! pic.twitter.com/AZsfjmkiPV
— le10sport (@le10sport) August 28, 2024
OM is eager for its “lofted” players to depart
The Team reports that during a meeting last Saturday with Azzedine Ounahi, Jordan Veretout, and Samuel Gigot, Pablo Longoria made it clear that the Marseille leadership is determined to part ways with all the loft players, including Ulysses Garcia and Chancellor Mbemba, who have had confrontations with Ali Zarar of Medhi Benatia.
Longoria has made it clear to the unwanted players: they will not be reinstated after the transfer window
The President of the Olympique de Marseille is starting to become impatient with the exits of players deemed undesirable, who do not seem to share the same sense of urgency about their situations as the management does. However, they are fully aware of the risks associated with not leaving the club permanently before the transfer window closes. Those downgraded to the reserve team of Jean-Pierre Papin and excluded by Roberto De Zerbi will not be reinstated in his squad, as Pablo Longoria reportedly stated during the meeting last Saturday, according to The Team.
Marseille Transfer Window Countdown: Pablo Longoria’s Looming Challenge
Time is running out in Marseille, and Pablo Longoria is starting to seriously lose patience with the situation regarding the “loft” of undesired players. With only hours remaining until the summer transfer window closes on August 30, 2024, the Olympique de Marseille (OM) president’s frustration is becoming palpable.
Transfer Window Tensions at OM
The clock is ticking on the summer transfer window as Marseille seeks to offload several players who have been deemed surplus to requirements. Currently, only Pau Lopez has left the club, transferred to Girona, while the remains of Roberto De Zerbi’s unwanted squad still linger in the city.
Transfer window – OM: Surprise, an agreement is announced! pic.twitter.com/AZsfjmkiPV
— le10sport (@le10sport) August 28, 2024
The Situation of the “Lofters”
Recent reports from The Team indicate that during a crucial meeting last Saturday, Pablo Longoria laid down the law to key undesired players, including Azzedine Ounahi, Jordan Veretout, and Samuel Gigot. These players need to understand the urgency of their situations and the likelihood of being sidelined from the professional squad.
Who are the “Lofters”?
- Azzedine Ounahi
- Jordan Veretout
- Samuel Gigot
- Ulysses Garcia
- Chancellor Mbemba
Desperate Times Call for Bold Actions
Pablo Longoria’s patience is waning, and the looming September deadline is prompting decisive action. Players who remain with the club past this transfer period may find themselves demoted to the reserve team, coached by Jean-Pierre Papin. According to reports, if these players are not transferred by the deadline, they will not be reintegrated into the first team under coach Roberto De Zerbi.
The Impact of Player Retention
The retention of undesired players can impact OM significantly. Here’s why:
- Squad Dynamics: Keeping unhappy players can disrupt team morale.
- Financial Implications: Wages paid to non-contributing players hamper overall budget flexibility.
- Development of Young Talent: Blocking pathways for younger players eager for first-team exposure.
Pablo Longoria’s Directive to the Lofters
The message from Longoria was clear: any players unwilling to find new clubs risk being stuck in a difficult position. With the team already preparing for the new season without the “lofted” players, the urgency is palpable. As the transfer deadline approaches, these players face tough decisions regarding their careers.
Expected Moves Before Deadline
In the final hours leading up to the transfer window closure, numerous rumors and speculations abound concerning potential moves:
| Player | Possible Destination | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Pau Lopez | Girona | Completed |
| Azzedine Ounahi | Negotiating | Pending |
| Jordan Veretout | Several suitors | In discussions |
| Samuel Gigot | Interest from Ligue 1 | Potential deal |
| Chancellor Mbemba | Offers from Europe | Open |
Longoria’s Strategy Beyond Transfers
Aside from player sales, Longoria’s strategy involves strengthening the squad via incoming signings. The transfer market can be unpredictable, and OM is expected to remain active in securing key players to enhance competitiveness for the upcoming season.
Focus on Key Areas for Reinforcements
Marseille aims to bolster key positions to ensure they remain competitive in Ligue 1. Areas targeted for reinforcement include:
- Midfield: A dynamic playmaker to complement existing talents.
- Defense: Additional depth and versatility in the backline.
- Forward Line: An impactful striker to increase goal-scoring capabilities.
Conclusion: The Countdown Continues
The pressure mounts as the transfer window nears its closure. Pablo Longoria and the Olympique de Marseille leadership are keen to finalize their squad before the deadline, ensuring they can start the new season with a clean slate. The next few hours will be critical in determining the fate of several “lofted” players and the overall squad strategy moving forward.
