This summer, OM could part ways with their Spanish goalkeepers Pau Lopez and Ruben Blanco. In recent hours, discussions have intensified between OM and Como for the Spanish international. Explanations.
Pau Lopez (29) joined Olympique de Marseille in July 2021 from AS Roma for a fee of around €12 million. He quickly took Steve Mandanda’s place as the starting goalkeeper, which was a source of controversy among fans. Jorge Sampaoli wanted a goalkeeper who could play high up the pitch and participate in the game. His performances were uneven, and he was sometimes criticized to the point of finishing the season as a substitute. The second season was marked by mixed performances under Igor Tudor. Although he maintained some consistency, Lopez failed to distinguish himself as a world-class goalkeeper, particularly in Ligue 1. His great performances at Villarreal and against Benfica at the Vélodrome will be remembered, which allowed OM to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League. Although he has established himself as a leader in the dressing room, he has not convinced that he could be the goalkeeper that OM needs.
Como interest can speed things up
And here is a club that is very interested in the idea of recruiting Pau Lopez. Como, promoted to Serie A, is trying his luck under the impetus of Cesc Fabregas, the strong man of the Italian project, on and off the pitch. Many media outlets report advanced discussions. The main person concerned explained his situation after three years in Marseille: “Now we will see what choices will be made. We have to wait and see what the club will do with the players who are there. We will also have to respect all the decisions that will be made.“, he commented before the last day of Ligue 1 in May.
Lopez relies on Longoria, who wants to offer a goalkeeper to De Zerbi
According to our information, Pau Lopez placed his destiny in the hands of Pablo Longoria, for whom he has deep respect and whom he holds in high esteem. If the president of OM asks him to leave, he will leave, even if he is happy in Marseille. Obviously, everyone will have to find their way, Pau Lopez included. OM do not want to hear about a loan and hope to recover a good transfer fee in order to offer Roberto DeZerbi the goalkeeper of his choice. But be careful, his case is not completely decided, because he does not totally displease the Italian, especially in his ability to participate in the game. The file is in any case open and the negotiations are progressing well in the direction of a departure. The trend of the moment is that one. We will know more in the coming days.
