The Kamara enigma, a recruit in the middle … what winter transfer window for OM?

After having been very active during the last summer transfer window, the priority in January for the managers of Olympique de Marseille will be to sell. Several players like Caleta-Car and Kamara are likely to leave the Phocéens. Note that reinforcements are being considered by management.

Located in third place in the Ligue 1 standings, Olympique de Marseille is making an honorable start to the season. In contention for the European Cup with the Europa League Conference, coach Jorge Sampaoli has often explained that the workforce was not provided enough to be competitive. But according to information from RMC Sport, the winter transfer window will mainly be synonymous with sales.

Still monitored by the DNCG, the leaders did not sell as much as they would have liked last summer. During the last visit of the American shareholder Frank McCourt in Marseille, he and President Pablo Longoria agreed that the arrival of reinforcements will go through sales.

Guardians: Mandanda’s future uncertain

With only four games played in the league, Steve mandanda (36) has clearly become Pau Lopez’s understudy. Despite his legendary status at Marseille, the future of the goalkeeper at the club remains uncertain. As revealed on Monday by RMC Sport, the Frenchman’s agent requested an interview with Jorge Sampaoli to clarify this situation. Depending on what the Argentine coach will say, the French international could decide to look elsewhere, he who wants to get playing time. For the time being, no decision has been taken.

Defenders: two Marseillais pushed to the exit

Even if he is not an indisputable holder, Duje Caleta-Car (25 years old) remains a valuable element who was entitled to playing time during this first part of the season. However, the Croatian defender will clearly not be selected if the Marseillais receive a satisfactory offer. Which is likely to happen as English clubs are closely following the 25-year-old.

Extended until 2025 last season, the file Jordan amavi (27 years old) is more complicated. Almost placarded by his coach, the left side did not appreciate the management of his case by the club. Although he is pushed towards the exit, the Frenchman who only has two matches in the league does not intend to facilitate the task in Marseille. The former Niçois will leave only if a sporting and financially interesting challenge presents itself to him. A challenge similar to what he wins in Marseille, so unlikely.

Midfielders: Kamara has the cards in hand

At the end of the contract in June 2022, the file Boubacar Kamara (22 years old) is not easy for the Olympians. Despite discussions to extend, the trend is for a departure at the end of the season. In order to avoid seeing the Minot leave for free, OM could be tempted to separate from the midfielder this winter. A small amount would even be sufficient to convince the leaders. But in this story, it is Kamara who has the cards in hand and is in a position of strength. The Mancunian press evokes an interest of Manchester United.

Forwards: towards a loan from Luis Henrique and Konrad de la Fuente?

Regarding Arkadiusz Milik (27 years old), a movement is not on the agenda. However, the Polish striker had a hard time being substituted in the matches against Lokomotiv Moscow and Reims.

Considered promising talents when they arrived in Marseille, Luis Henrique (20 years old) and Konrad de la Fuente disappoint. The Brazilian, who arrived last year, is struggling to find a place in the starting lineup, so much so that a departure on loan is a solution being considered by the club. But the striker confided a short time ago that he wanted to stay and prove his worth.

Snatched from FC Barcelona last summer, Konrad de la Fuente (20 years old) is in the same case as Henry. Author of promising debuts in preparation matches, the winger struggles to show the full extent of his talent in France. If there is a possibility of departure via a loan, OM will also be open.

Possible reinforcements

If the priority of the Phocéens is to lose fat, they are still attentive to the transfer market and do not close the door to possible recruits. With the possible departure of Kamara and the absence of Pape Gueye who will play the CAN this winter, the recruitment of a central midfielder is being considered.

The same applies to the recruitment of a defender, even if for the moment no profile is really defined. It could depend on the future of Caleta-Car. Regarding Sampaoli, his priority is the arrival of a left winger. Nobody convinced him to this post. What is certain is that winter will be very lively in the south of France.