OM sale: the curtain could finally fall

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By: Manu Tournoux

Since 2020, the Saudi investment public investment (PIF) has agitated rumors around the takeover of Olympique de Marseille. Each season brings its share of information, ” Sources close to the file “ and contradictory statements. Supporters have learned to oscillate between hopes of renewal and disillusions. Today, the page seems to turn definitively.

The thunderclap fell: the PIF now focuses on the OGC Nice. According to LinFormé, the Saudi fund is considering a partnership with Jim Ratcliffe, who mandated Lazard to study a sale of his club. This reversal means that petrodollars will not finance OM immediately. The shadow of the Canebière moves away to make way for the Promenade des Anglais.

Marseille: towards the shock conclusion of an endless soap opera?

For Frank McCourt, it is a breath of oxygen. The American owner can continue his project without the financial pressure of a new overpowered shareholder. OM remains under the McCourt pavilion for the long term. Sportingly and economically, the club will however have to seek other sources of investment. The legislative and media context makes any major operation complex.

OM sale: the long -awaited epilogue is emerging …

The OGC Nice presents several assets for the PIF: a modern structure, a powerful training center and an ambitious sports project. Ratcliffe opens the door to a total or partial sale. The PIF could inject significant resources to strengthen the team in Ligue 1 and in the European Cup. The Aiglons are thus rise to the rank of new sure values ​​of the championship. Currently, they are also in the midst of a battle for a place in the Champions League next season.

The soap opera is not closed: the period of audit and negotiations can last several months. Marseille, meanwhile, will have to consolidate its bases and reassure its supporters. Nice, for its part, could become the new Saudi Trojan horse in Europe. It remains to be seen whether the last twist will turn into success for one or fear for the other. The summer transfer window promises to be explosive.