Olympique de Marseille, looking for reinforcements this winter, seemed close to attracting a key player to strengthen their midfield. But the Marseille club faces strong competition which could well pull the rug out from under them. While Marseille supporters hoped for an imminent signing, negotiations seem to be turning in favor of another suitor.
According to the latest rumors circulating, it is Andreas Pereira, attacking midfielder from Fulham. The Brazilian international (9 caps, 2 goals), courted by OM, is also in the sights of Palmeiras, vice-champion of Brazil. And the São Paulo club would be on the verge of taking the lead with an offer estimated at 20 million euros, a sum that Marseille has not yet matched.
OM was slow to draw
Palmeiras spared no effort to seduce Andreas Pereira. The Brazilian club would have aligned a salary proposal in line with the player’s expectations, while advancing concrete discussions with Fulham. Although the English club still hopes to retain its attacking midfielder, Palmeiras’ ambitious offer could well tip the scales.
Author of 2 goals and 1 assist in 17 appearances this season with Fulham, Andreas Pereira is a versatile profile who would have perfectly met the needs of OM. But with Palmeiras determined to outclass Marseille in this matter, it seems increasingly likely that the Brazilian will choose to return to the country.
No second Brazilian recruit this winter
After the arrival of Luiz Felipe, made official this Tuesday, OM hoped to double the stakes with another Brazilian recruit. But if Andreas Pereira were to join Palmeiras, it would put an end to Marseille’s ambitions for this particular player. A sporting loss for the Marseille club, which will quickly have to turn to other options to strengthen its squad. The Marseille club, now spectator of this duel, risks paying dearly for its lack of responsiveness to a competitor it did not see coming.
