Ruslan Malinovskyi and Olympique de Marseille, it’s almost over. If the departure of the Ukrainian is not yet formalized, the latter should, barring a huge turnaround, join Genoa in the next few hours. Announced for several weeks in the sights of Torino, the former player of Atalanta Bergamo will finally commit to the Rossoblu in the form of a loan with an option to buy € 11 million. The opportunity to return to the passage of the native of Zhytomyr in the Marseille city.
A difficult adjustment…
Priority of Pablo Longoria on the transfer window, the 30-year-old attacking midfielder had, in fact, joined the Sky and White last January as part of a loan with a purchase option of around 10 million euros. Considered a reinforcement of choice, Ruslan Malinovskyi did not yet come out of his best period at Atalanta Bergamo. With a small goal, 2 assists and 547 minutes played under the orders of Gian Piero Gasperini, the Ukrainian international (55 caps, 7 goals) was counting on the Marseille climate to regain his superb. Yes, but now, after a little over six months with OM, the results are implacable.
Despite his change of tunic, the Olympian number 18 will never really make an impression, despite the high expectations placed on him. Result ? Two achievements and an offering in 23 games in all competitions before, therefore, leaving the Marseille club by the back door. Renowned for his striking and percussion qualities, Malinovskyi will leave a bitter taste to Marseille supporters. Despite an interesting debut in the game, the protege of Igor Tudor will have mainly suffered from a deficit of statistics.
A much too meager balance sheet despite some encouraging signs!
“I have been here for two months. I feel closer to my teammates, I understand how the club and the team work. I’m not 100% yet, but I’m integrating more and more into the team., however assured the principal concerned a few weeks after his arrival. Promises that ultimately never led to real action. Admittedly, not stingy with effort, particularly in terms of pressing and interception, Malinovskyi will have fluidified, in sequence, the Marseille collective, distilling a few well-felt passes and bringing certain shifts thanks to intelligent movements. A record, however, far too meager for such a player.
Too hesitant around opposing surfaces and too little impact, the former Bergamasque never gained momentum. Symbol of a lack of confidence (and success), his powerful strikes and his set pieces – his specialty – have never cleaned the skylights of France. His main feat ultimately remaining this victorious goal scored against Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France, on February 8. Acclaimed by Igor Tudor despite questionable performances, the former Dea midfielder surely regretted the departure of the Croatian at the start of the summer. Sidelined by Marcelino, OM’s new architect, Ruslan Malinovskyi now hopes to give new impetus to his career. Genoa also dreams…
