“I have a contract with Marseille, he continues. I hope (to leave) in January, when God wants it. But when God does not decide… it's humans. Humans are complicated, everyone looks at their own interests . But the most important thing is to do our job to satisfy everyone.” Interviewed at the microphone of Canal+ Africa after the defeat of DR Congo against Guinea on November 16, Chancel Mbemba expressed his wish to leave Olympique de Marseille. But in reality, the situation remains complex.
Since his last match with OM last May, the 30-year-old defender, perceived as undesirable, has not yet found a way out. This summer, he refused the advances of Nice and Al Shabab, and more recently those of Montpellier in November. The latest, Stade Rennais, where Jorge Sampaoli saw in him an ideal solution to solidify his defense according to information from RMC Sport. But Mbemba once again declined, as he had already done with Rennes during the summer transfer window.
Another Ligue 1 club wants to try its luck
For his part, Pablo Longoria remains firm: “The club has respected all its commitments. Chancel has known its situation since June. We will not compromise our principles: respect for the institution comes first.” OM has set its price at 3 million euros, a sum which could cool certain suitors according to the revelations of our colleagues at Foot Market. In the meantime, Mbemba remains sidelined and will have to wait until next summer to be free. Nantes could try their luck in January, but their difficult sporting dynamic leaves little hope.
Unless there is a turnaround, the Congolese defender could spend the winter in uncertainty, before aiming to leave for the Middle East or another destination as a free agent. The Mbemba soap opera has only just begun.
