With a flamboyant attack led by Mason Greenwood and his 10 goals in Ligue 1, Olympique de Marseille has managed to establish itself among the leaders of the championship. After 15 days, Roberto De Zerbi’s men are in second place, hot on the heels of PSG. An undeniable success which is based on offensive efficiency… but also on a more feverish defense.
Indeed, with 18 goals conceded, the defensive sector remains one of the main flaws identified by De Zerbi. Well aware of the shortcomings in his squad, the Italian technician quickly set his priorities for the winter transfer window: strengthen the rearguard with a right back and at least two central defenders.
A strategic winter transfer window for OM
The Marseille staff wasted no time in identifying several promising profiles. Among them, already well-established names are circulating, such as Olivier Boscagli, Kiliann Sildillia and Benoît Badiashile. But behind the scenes, one target in particular had raised a lot of hopes. A defender capable of bringing experience, speed and solidity in a season where every point will count to achieve European objectives. However, this promising avenue is suddenly disappearing, for reasons independent of the Olympian leaders.
The winter transfer window will not be as simple as hoped for De Zerbi.
An unexpected blow for Marseille
While OM saw him as an ideal reinforcement for this winter, a major setback disrupted everything. The player in question suffered a serious injury which definitively compromises any transfer in January. This is Sacha Boey, right back of Bayern Munich.
The Bavarian club made it official this Tuesday that the former Rennes man injured the ligaments in his left ankle in training. A hard blow not only for the player, but also for Marseille, who were counting on his profile to make up for their defensive deficiencies. Boey, hampered by physical problems since his arrival in Germany, represented an opportunity for revival in the Marseille city.
OM must bounce back quickly
After having already seen certain targets move away, like Danilo leaving for Naples, this new blow forces the Olympian staff to review its strategy. The winter transfer window will undoubtedly be hectic, but Marseille will have to act quickly to find alternatives that meet De Zerbi’s demands.
