From the shores of the Mediterranean to the fierce atmosphere of the Vélodrome, Marseille is always under pressure to improve. But with a squad already crowded and a mission to contend in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League, the question becomes: who should Marseille sign next to bridge the gap to PSG and Europe’s elite? In this article, AvigGoal takes you through smart, realistic targets, positional priorities, and a blueprint for where OM should invest next.
Current squad status and unmet needs
To decide who should Marseille sign, you must start by understanding what the squad already has—and where it lacks depth or balance.
Summer 2025 recaps and exits
Marseille was active in the transfer market this summer. The club brought in Matt O’Riley on a season-long loan. They also added defensive reinforcement in Nayef Aguerd. Outgoing moves saw key midfielders like Azzedine Ounahi, Valentin Rongier, and Adrien Rabiot depart. Rabiot’s exit was turbulent—he was transfer-listed after a dressing room incident.
These shifts leave gaps in midfield creativity, width, and squad depth in defense.
Structural needs and weak points
Based on what’s left, Marseille must strengthen in:
- No. 8 / Box-to-box midfield — O’Riley can be a creative engine, but backup and support are needed.
- Wide attacking options — more depth on the flanks to rotate in Europe and the league.
- Full-back / wing-back — balance in defense, especially if Aguerd is pushed forward in defensive schemes.
- Center-back flexibility — cover in case of injuries, off days, or rotation.
- hose in mind, let’s dig into concrete targets and strategies.
Realistic targets Marseille should pursue
Here are several names Marseille could realistically chase, blending ambition with pragmatism.
Nicolò Fagioli (Juventus)
A technically gifted midfielder already linked with Marseille, Fagioli has the vision and passing range to complement O’Riley. Reports suggest OM is exploring a loan deal with Juventus. He’d offer balance, helping with transitions and linking defense to attack.
Nicola Zalewski (Roma)
Zalewski is younger and more of a full-back or wide-mid option. He’s been rumored in the same breath as Fagioli as Marseille eyes reinforcement. Given his versatility, he could double up as a wingback or inverted full-back under De Zerbi.
Renato Veiga
Marseille has reportedly held “concrete talks” over Veiga. Whether playing in central midfield or as a hybrid defensive midfielder, Veiga brings energy, defensive grit, and long-term upside.
High upside picks / risky but rewarding
- Young wingers or dribblers, or South America—players who could grow under pressure.
- A younger striker to eventually succeed aging names, though OM already re-signed Aubameyang to carry experience and goal threat. s.com])
- Full-back depth from Ligue 1 or La Liga squads who aren’t getting minutes but boast defensive stability.
Analyzing the O’Riley loan: stepping stone or stopgap?
Signing Matt O’Riley on loan was smart. He reunites with Roberto De Zerbi, who trusts his systems and gives him space to shine. PN.com]) That said, loaning a key midfielder without strong backup raises danger.
- Pros: instant creative spark, tactical fit, reversible commitment.
- Cons: lack of long-term guarantee, limited depth behind him.
If Marseille commit to O’Riley as a core piece, they should load up on midfield rotation and backup—perhaps by pushing for Fagioli or Veiga as depth.
Positional blueprint: what to sign, where, and when
To approach who should Marseille sign intelligently, here’s a structural template:
| Position | Priority | Ideal Profile | Candidate(s) |
| Central / box-to-box midfield | High | Energetic, two-way, range of passing | Fagioli, Veiga |
| Wide attacker / winger | Medium | Pace, dribbling, width | Young Portuguese/Brazilian winger |
| Full-back / wing-back | Medium | Defensively solid, attacking support | Zalewski, domestic Ligue 1 full-backs |
| Center-back backup | Medium | Tall, good in duels, ball-playing | Rotational squad option |
Timing matters. The core should be done early, with the January window used to fix emergent weaknesses or capitalize on bargains.
Risks, constraints, and smart trade-offs
Even with careful planning, several external factors could derail Marseille’s ideal targets:
- Financial fair play / budget constraints — OM must balance ambition with sustainability.
- Competition from bigger clubs — names like Fagioli or Veiga attract rivals across Europe.
- Integration risk — too many new faces may disrupt locker room chemistry.
- Loan vs. permanent deals — relying solely on loans can weaken long-term project.
To mitigate, OM should mix established names with high-potential youngsters, stagger arrivals, and protect core players to maintain on-field coherence.
Why fans should believe in these options
- Tactical consistency: De Zerbi’s system demands midfielders who can press, pass, and rotate. O’Riley + Fagioli/Veiga offers that synergy.
- Depth for Champions League: Competing on multiple fronts requires rotation; current squad is tight.
- Blending experience and youth: Aubameyang brings leadership, and youngsters around him can grow into roles.
If Marseille nail smart, complementary signings rather than “sexier” but ill-fitting stars, the squad could make real noise domestically and in Europe.
Conclusion
Who should Marseille sign next? Ideally, the club builds around Matt O’Riley with support from Fagioli or Veiga in midfield, adds Zalewski–level versatility in full-back roles, and ensures wing attackers capable of breaking defenses. Mix in a rotation center-back.
In short: don’t chase superstars alone—chase smart balance, depth, and tactical fit. If Marseille get those right, De Zerbi’s side might be the dark horse in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
Now, AvigGoal wants to hear from you: which target do you think fits OM best? Drop your pick in the comments, and if you like this article, share it with fellow Marseille supporters!
