Olympique de Marseille is preparing a hot summer: the ambitions are displayed, and Pablo Longoria, in tandem with Medhi Benatia, wants to hit hard for next season. Rumors are already circulating around a future recruit from Liga, a profile announced as a “star” in the Spanish championship. Faced with the pressure of the Champions League and the need to build a defense in difficulty this season, OM seems ready for all audacity to make its shortcomings forget and enthron its supporters.
It is now official: Pablo Longoria aims for José Gaya, Spanish international side of FC Valence, to strengthen the Marseille defensive corridor. With 22 selections with the Roja and a solid experience at the highest level, Gaya represents the target of choice for OM. The Olympian president, who knows the Valencian environment perfectly to have worked there, could make his relations play in order to facilitate negotiations. Two years before the end of his contract, the Spaniard could be tempted by a new challenge on the banks of the Mediterranean.
José Gaya, the Olympian dream that agitates the Marseille transfer window
This strategic choice responds to an emergency: with 47 goals conceded this season in Ligue 1, OM displays the worst defensive assessment of the Top 5. The arrival of a major side, capable of competing or completing Ultisses Garcia and Quentin Merlin, would be a strong signal to competition. The Marseillais board wants to avoid any DIY and offer Roberto de Zerbi guarantees to face European jousts.
OM: Longoria ready to blow up the bank for a Spanish star
José Gaya is not the only one on Marseille tablets: Joaquín Piquerez (Palmeiras) and Valentín Barco (Brighton/Strasbourg) are also closely monitored. But the competition promises to be tough, and each file will require fingering and persuasion. In parallel, Marseille also activates on the central axis, with tracks leading to Aymeric Laporte or Facundo Medina, proof that the defensive overhaul is total.
One thing is certain: Pablo Longoria and Medhi Benatia intend to transform OM. The recruitment of a liga star like José Gaya would be a strong signal, announcing a hectic summer and a season under the sign of ambition. It remains to materialize this dream to make the Marseille city vibrate … and finally reassure a defense for too long exposed.
