The honeymoon was short-lived on the Canebière. Arriving last summer with the label of “best signing of the transfer window” and regularly starting during the first part of the season, Arthur Vermeeren (20 years old) is experiencing a nightmarish month of January 2026 and a terrible downgrade within the Marseille squad. However, in this darkened sky, a clearing could well brighten up the end of the season for the Belgian international.
According to our information, No. 18 of Ciel et Blanc, currently on loan from RB Leipzig, is in Galatasaray’s sights. The Turkish giant, very active this winter with in particular the arrivals of Noa Lang (Napoli) and Yaser Asprilla (Girona), is still looking for several players including a midfielder. And the Istanbul club ticked the name of Marseillais at the top of its list. An offensive could take place by Monday but it is not easy to complete.
Galatasaray will have to convince, Leipzig and… OM
Indeed, for the operation to take place, the mechanics are established but require a tripartite agreement: the current loan with OM would have to be canceled so that Leipzig can immediately loan the player to Istanbul. A scenario which, just a month ago, would have seemed impossible as the player was unanimously unanimous among both the supporters and the Olympian management. But the situation has changed and that is why Galatasaray is stepping into the breach.
OM have just been eliminated from the Champions League (and will therefore have fewer matches to play) and above all recruited Quinten Timber for €4.5 million, blocking Vermeeren’s future. Without forgetting that the divorce seems complete between the player and Roberto De Zerbi since this stupid red card received against Nantes on January 4, synonymous with defeat. Since then, Vermeeren has disappeared: 0 minutes against Liverpool, 0 minutes against Lens, an anecdotal entry in Angers and zero minutes during the rout against Bruges. Closed face, disappointing performances in training: the Belgian is no longer there. OM, which is seeking to free up payroll and a place in the squad, could be tempted if a solution is found with Leipzig and Galatasaray. To be continued.
