The qualification for the next Champions League in pocket, Olympique de Marseille can finally project itself with ambition to the summer transfer window. After an intense season and the return to the fore, supporters dream of seeing their club strengthen significantly to shine on the European scene and compete with the best in Ligue 1.. And it seems that their prayers have been heard. Size information is circulating: Frank McCourt, the American owner of the club, often criticized for his supposed financial reluctance, would be ready to untie the cords of the stock market and to allocate a “big pactole” for the offseason. Enough to feed all the fantasies on the Old Port.
McCourt's “chestchol”… for an elite women's team!
So, what flashy recruits for the Roberto de Zerbi team should we expect? This is where the surprise comes in. According to information revealed by RMC Sportif Frank McCourt is preparing to increase its investment, this famous pactole would actually be mainly intended for the Women's Women's section! The American businessman, whose presence was noticed in certain women's matches this season, would be more and more interested in women's football and would be inspired by the success of clubs like OL or PSG. With the recent climb of the Marseillaises in Arkema Première League, McCourt would have the will to invest “Even more “To build a” very efficient team “. If the enthusiasm is real for this section, the source does not reveal any specific amount for this “pactole”, but the intention of a substantial effort is clear.
This investment announced for women is part of a context of broader internal changes to OM. The management notably wishes to sanctuarize the commandery by reserving it exclusively for the professional sports sector. A new administrative headquarters should see the light of day near the Vélodrome, in order to “Protect the first team And “Clarify roles”. Another notable change: Jean-Pierre Papin, club legend, will no longer be the coach of the reserve team next season, his contract arriving in the long term. Discussions are underway for a possible symbolic role.
McCourt: a “chest” for OM … but not (only) where we expect it!
An OM in mutation: priority to female, but what about men?
Despite the departure of “JPP” from the reserve, the training remains an absolute priority for OM, as evidenced by the excellent results of the youth teams this season (U14, U15, U17 and U19 at the top of their championships) and the ambition displayed for the Youth League. In this perspective of clarification of roles, Fabrizio Ravanelli, “institutional and sporting advisor of the president”, would have been asked to focus more on the institutional aspect and to interfere with the sports sector.
In conclusion, if the “big jackpot” promised by Frank McCourt seems to be primarily argued towards the ambitious development of the female section – excellent news for the latter -, the male team supporters will wait to see what means will be concretely allocated to strengthen Roberto de Zerbi's workforce for the Champions League. Summer promises to be animated in Marseille, with a club in full restructuring and ambitions displayed on several fronts.
