Fights, Fortune and Fresh Faces: Marseille’s Transfer Window is Pure Theatre
Marseille have made waves this summer with a string of eye-catching signings and dramatic exits, giving coach Roberto De Zerbi a fresh squad to work with at the Vélodrome.
The headline arrival is Brazilian winger Igor Paixão, who joined from Feyenoord for a club-record £26.1m. The 23-year-old scored 18 goals and 14 assists last season and rejected Leeds United to sign for OM, instantly becoming the face of their new project.
Defensive reinforcements were also a priority. Nayef Aguerd arrived from West Ham for £20m, while Benjamin Pavard returned to France on loan from Inter. Pavard’s versatility and World Cup-winning experience add pedigree, while Aguerd brings stability and leadership at the back.
In midfield, Pierre-Émile Højbjerg joined permanently after impressing on loan from Tottenham, with the £17m deal underlining his importance. He is joined by Matt O’Riley, reunited with De Zerbi from Brighton, and Angel Gomes, signed on a free from Lille to inject creativity.
The attack has also been reshaped. Neal Maupay’s loan from Everton became permanent, though he may move on again. Timothy Weah arrived from Juventus on loan with an obligation to buy, while Hamed Junior Traorè returned to Ligue 1 from Bournemouth. Veteran forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 36, also made a surprise comeback after a year in Saudi Arabia.
The window wasn’t without controversy. Jonathan Rowe, signed from Norwich, was swiftly sold to Bologna after a training-ground altercation with Adrien Rabiot. De Zerbi criticised both players for “fighting like in an English pub,” and Rabiot was sent to Milan shortly after. The fallout dominated headlines but allowed OM to move on quickly.
Among the other arrivals were Emerson Palmieri from West Ham, young defender Pladi N’Zinga Pambani, and CJ Egan-Riley from Burnley. Outgoings included Luis Henrique to Inter for £21m, Quentin Merlin and Valentin Rongier to Rennes, and Azzedine Ounahi to Girona. Experienced players such as Chancel Mbemba, Samuel Gigot, and goalkeeper Pau López also departed.
Overall, Marseille finished with a transfer balance of £-12.1m, showing significant but controlled investment. Loans with options to buy and key sales helped offset record purchases, reflecting a calculated approach.
Now comes the challenge for De Zerbi: forging a competitive, united team from a squad full of new faces. With Paixão’s flair, Pavard’s experience, and Højbjerg’s steel, Marseille look stronger on paper than in recent seasons. The Vélodrome will demand results, but there is genuine belief that this ambitious rebuild could see OM push Paris Saint-Germain closer at the top of Ligue 1.
