Olympique de Marseille is preparing to begin a pivotal offseason. Between a new visual identity, a change at the presidency with the arrival of Stéphane Richard to succeed Pablo Longoria, and the future appointment of a sports director, the Marseille club is beginning an in-depth overhaul.
Among the priority files is that of the succession of Mehdi Benatia, whose departure at the end of the season is now confirmed. “Mehdi was ready to leave early. I asked him to come so we could talk and reconsider his choice. He agreed to do it but told me he was stopping at the end of the season. I told him okay. I can therefore confirm that he will leave at the end of the season”explained Frank McCourt.
With this in mind, OM is working hard to find its future sports director. Several profiles have been studied in recent weeks, including that of Cristiano Giuntoli. According to Foot Mercatoanother avenue was also explored: that of George Syrianos.
He said no to OM
Still little known to the general public, this 36-year-old Greek-German leader has nevertheless established himself as a reference in his position. Current sporting director of Nottingham Forest, he played a major role in the club’s rise to the Premier League and orchestrated several important sales, such as those of Niakhaté, Mangala and Elanga.
Always according to Foot Mercatodespite several exchanges, Syrianos finally declined the Marseille offer. In question: a lack of visibility on the financial situation of the club and uncertainties regarding its scope of action. A refusal which now forces OM to explore other options for a key position in its new project.
