OM: Moroccan for sale!

The arrival of coach Roberto De Zerbi has sealed the fate of several Africans at Olympique de Marseille, including a Moroccan international.

As OM prepared for a major shake-up this summer, De Zerbi has confirmed this trend. The Italian coach has drawn up a list of unwanted players, among them Moroccan international Azzedine Ounahi (24 years old, 30 caps, 5 goals). Once touted under the plans of former Brighton coach, the ex-Angevin has been placed on the transfer market, as reported by the regional newspaper La Provence.

Heading to Saudi Arabia?

This situation opens the door to a potential move to Saudi Arabia, where Al-Ittihad had shown interest in his profile despite his young age. The Arabian Peninsula tends to favor established stars in European football who are over thirty, such as Gabonese Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is poised for a lucrative contract with Al-Qadsiah.

In the meantime, the Casablanca native continues to participate in training sessions, much like Central African Geoffrey Kondogbia, who is also being pushed towards an exit. This is likely due to OM’s limited depth in their midfield. Conversely, Congolese defender Chancel Mbemba and Senegalese winger Ismaïla Sarr find themselves among those less fortunate, starting training with the first team, going through physical routines, but leaving when the coach gets into tactical matters.

9 joueurs ont été placés sur le marché des transferts par l'OM ! 🥶

🇨🇫 Geoffrey Kondogbia
🇲🇦 Azzedine Ounahi
🇫🇷 Samuel Gigot
🇪🇸 Pau Lopez
🇫🇷 Jordan Veretout
🇨🇩 Chancel Mbemba
🇨🇭 Ulisses Garcia
🇸🇳 Ismaila Sarr
🇫🇷 Jonathan Clauss

🗞️ @lequipe pic.twitter.com/4C8AfisuD6

— Vibes Foot (@VibesFoot) July 15, 2024

The club avoids referring to this as a “loft,” according to La Provence. De Zerbi addressed the main parties involved, recounting his own experience facing similar circumstances during his time at Napoli, without providing justification, acknowledging the situation’s vexatious nature. While these ousted figures are destined to depart, they are still receiving special treatment. They retain their designated place in the dressing room, and the staff is at their disposal at all times, ensuring a dignified exit.