Olympique de Marseille is undergoing a major squad overhaul this summer as the club faces an urgent financial crisis.
The Ligue 1 side needs to generate nearly €100 million and cut its wage bill in half under scrutiny from the DNCG financial watchdog.
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New club directors Stéphane Richard and Grégory Lorenzi have declared that no player is untransferable, putting the expensive attacking sector at risk of high-profile departures.
Owner Frank McCourt has reportedly recalled former sporting director Medhi Benatia to help facilitate player sales.
The financial pressure is already affecting transfer negotiations, particularly for forward Mason Greenwood, valued at €55 million.
RMC Sport journalist Florent Germain reported that clubs are lowering their offers because they know Marseille needs liquidity.
“In the Fenerbahce case, OM is facing collateral damage from its financial troubles. Buyer clubs know Marseille needs to sell, so offers are automatically revised downward,” Germain said.
He noted that a €30 million bid for Greenwood was almost disrespectful, but Fenerbahce exploited Marseille’s desperation.
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Marseille also plans to offload 37-year-old striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to save around €4.5 million on his annual salary.
According to La Provence, the club has set an accessible price tag of €1.5 million, attracting interest from Turkey, the MLS, Spain, and Italy.
Despite the massive player clearance, Marseille intends to keep a core group.
Onze Mondial revealed that the club prioritizes retaining Facundo Medina, Amine Gouiri, and Timothy Weah for the upcoming season.
However, the urgent need for funds means even preferred players attract external interest.
Transfer journalist Rudy Galletti reported that Premier League club Everton has inquired about Weah, who arrived last summer under a mandatory €14.4 million purchase option with a contract until 2030.
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Although Weah wants to stay and the management does not plan to sell him, the financial pressure leaves the door slightly ajar if a substantial offer arrives.
