Football Season Guide

Marseille endured a disappointing campaign last time out as they finished a poor eighth in the league and missed out of European football as a result. For a side that wants to offer a regular challenge to PSG, this was an unacceptable campaign and consequently head coach Roberto De Zerbi was appointed to replace Jean-Louis Gasset, who was only in the job on a temporary basis in any case. Some significant investment has been made in the team, too. Most notably, winger Mason Greenwood has completed a controversial move from Manchester United, despite the mayor of the city speaking out against the deal. OM are still, however, lacking a centre-forward having lost last season’s vital top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who leaves after a prolific campaign. With Vitinha and the disappointing Iliman Ndiaye also departing, OM’s attack will be overhauled. Faris Moumbagna is the only natural No.9 on Marseille’s books but is technically deficient and not a player who looks can be relied upon. Another important player to leave is right-back Jonathan Clauss, who did not enjoy the best of campaigns last term and has also yet to be adequately replaced in this area. Amur Murillo is the only real option they have to step in, unless Pol Lirola is retained after a loan to Fiorentina last season. The spine of the team, meanwhile, has improved thanks to the arrivals of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Ismael Kone in midfield, with solid Ligue 1 performers Bamo Meite and Lilian Brassier confirmed in the middle of the defence. Kone will have a key creative role to play, and while Marseille do have plenty of solidity through the middle, a lack of fantasy is an evident problem in this squad. At least with a month remaining in the transfer window, they have a transfer surplus at this point, which could see them reinvest in the team before the end of the summer. A striker is widely expected to join, and the identity of this signing could have a profound impact on their fortunes.