Announced close to an agreement with the small club of Como, Pau Lopez will no longer be in the Olympian cages next season. But who will replace him as number one goalkeeper?
Two tracks stand out
The departure of Pau Lopez being almost confirmed, OM is now working to find his successor. Two French goalkeepers seem to be on the shortlist of the tandem Longoria–Benatia and are currently negotiating with the Marseille club.
Brice samba (30 ans), RC Lens
The French international, currently at the Euro, is leaving for Lens. Less efficient this season, the goalkeeper of Congolese origin was not able to carry the Sang et Or on his shoulders as usual. With the arrival ofHervé Koffi To be number one, Lens has decided to part ways with its international goalkeeper.
The number 2 goalkeeper of the French team has reportedly been in discussions with Marseille’s management for a few days. A salary agreement has even been reached with the 30-year-old goalkeeper. However, OM is still far from reaching an agreement with the northern club, which intends to be greedy for one of the players with the highest market value in its squad.
Lens could let go of its goalkeeper, under contract until 2028, for a sum of around 15 million euros. It remains to be seen whether Marseille leaders will align with the demands of the northern club. For his part, Samba would be totally excited to return to his former club, where he has nevertheless played five games as a starter.
Illan Meslier (24 ans), Leeds United
Having arrived at Leeds five seasons ago, the former international Espoirs could leave England this summer. OM have made contact with the English club in recent days for the transfer of the young French goalkeeper. The former FC Lorient goalkeeper would be enthusiastic about the idea of joining the Canebière, but no agreement has yet been reached. The Team has nevertheless confirmed OM’s interest in the French goalkeeper and specifies that contact has been established between the two parties.
The English club could sell its number 1 goalkeeper, under contract until 2026, for a sum between 15 and 20 million euros. The young Frenchman is valued at 18 million on the site Transfer market.
Aged 24, Meslier is both an experienced and promising goalkeeper, whose kicking game could match the requirements of Roberto De ZerbiThe case could see progress in the coming days, following discussions initiated with Leeds.
Who will occupy the Olympian cages next season, Samba or Meslier? The case should be resolved in the coming days.
