In search of players capable of playing in Marcelino’s 4-4-2, Pablo Longoria has started discussions with Jonathan Bamba. A recruit for whom OM intends to put the package.
Now that the coach’s file is settled, Olympique de Marseille will finally be able to be active on the transfer market. Pablo Longoria is in advanced discussions with Atlético de Madrid in order to finalize the arrival of Geoffrey Kondogbia, former player… of Marcelino, on the side of FC Valence, where their collaboration had been a great success. The new OM coach will be delighted to have the former U20 world champion with the French team in his ranks.
🎯 #MercatOM | OM in discussion with Jonathan BAMBA 👀
⏳ Marseille leaders are negotiating with Bamba’s agent and his entourage, a free arrival of the player.
The left winger has the perfect profile for Marcelino’s scheme.
Accustomed to 4-4-2, good stats, falls back… pic.twitter.com/cvlbog2w6L
— LePetitOM (@lepetitom) June 26, 2023
In order to adapt to his preferred 4-4-2 system, Marcelino will also need reinforcements in attack. Axial players will be needed but also wingers, a position where Marseille can already rely on Ünder, Harit or even Malinovskyi and Payet. According to information from the insider account @LePetitOM, a Ligue 1 player is of interest to Marseille in this position. This is Jonathan Bamba, at the end of the contract on June 30 with Lille.
OM have been following Bamba for several months
Author of 7 goals and 7 assists this season under the orders of Paulo Fonseca, the Ivorian international is a player followed for a long time by the staff of OM, who had checked his name because of his contractual situation . The arrival on the bench of Marcelino could be the trigger to see Bamba sign in Marseille because the Ivorian corresponds completely to what the former coach of Bilbao is looking for.
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Accustomed to 4-4-2, he knows how to animate this system both offensively and defensively. However, OM have a lot on their plate to tie up this file, mainly due to competition. Sevilla FC is notably in the running, along with several Gulf clubs, ready to put big salaries and nice signing bonuses on the table. It now remains to be seen whether Pablo Longoria will take advantage of the attractiveness of Marseille, which will play the third preliminary round of the Champions League in August, in order to win the day and recover this interesting player at a lower cost.
