Olympique de Marseille have been one of the busiest clubs in France this summer. Big-money signing Igor Paixãoarrived from Feyenoord, while Facundo Medina came in from RC Lens to strengthen the defence.
But that’s not all. Marseille have also been smart with free transfers. Angel Gomes (ex-Lille) joined for free, fellow Englishman CJ Egan-Riley arrived after his Burnley contract ended, and in a major surprise, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang cut short his Saudi Arabia adventure to return to the Vélodrome—just a year after leaving.
Omo, hold up—this one sweet! Aubameyang returning is the kind of gist Marseille fans dream about.
More Signings Loading?
Speaking to Ligue1+, sporting director Medhi Benatia confirmed that Marseille aren’t done yet. He revealed:
“There are one or two positions that we want to strengthen… a left-back, maybe a centre-back. We are thinking about a midfielder, too. But we don’t have an unlimited budget. We are looking at market opportunities.”
That statement came before OM’s 1-0 defeat to Stade Rennais on the opening day, a result that could push them to dip further into the market before the window shuts.
Fans should keep their eyes peeled—because the Vélodrome might still witness one or two surprise arrivals.
Lyon Hand Tyler Morton Big Chance
Meanwhile, over at Olympique Lyonnais, another headline is brewing. Tyler Morton, who joined from Liverpool earlier this summer, is set to make his official debut for the club against RC Lens on Saturday.
The 21-year-old English midfielder now has a clear path into the starting XI after Lyon and Nemanja Matić agreed to terminate the Serbian’s contract one year early. Morton is expected to partner American Tanner Tessmann in the heart of midfield.
Lyon’s Expected XI v Lens
According to L’Équipe, here’s the likely lineup for Lyon:
Rémy Descamps; Abner, Moussa Niakhaté, Clinton Mata, Saël Kumbedi; Tyler Morton, Tanner Tessmann; Malick Fofana, Corentin Tolisso, Ainsley Maitland-Niles; Georges Mikautadze.
Tolisso, who missed the final pre-season game with a calf issue, is tipped to return in a slightly advanced role. Abner should hold down the left-back spot while Nicolás Tagliafico builds fitness. In goal, Rémy Descamps gets the nod, though Mallorca’s Dominik Greif is expected to arrive soon as the new long-term No.1.
Omo, this one go hot! If Morton shines on his debut, Lyon fans might just start seeing him as the next midfield engine they’ve been waiting for.
