For several months, Olympique de Marseille (OM) has been exploring the possibility of having a “satellite club” to loan its young players and offer them more playing time at a higher level.
The objective of this strategy is to allow these “minots” to progress in a more competitive environment than the National 3, while offering them better exposure. However, negotiations with two clubs in the region, Martigues and Aubagne, still encounter several obstacles, thus delaying the implementation of this agreement. Here is what Provence explains to us.
FC Martigues: a club in search of experienced players
The FC Martigueswhich plays in Ligue 2, seems more oriented towards reinforcements of experience than towards the integration of young talents from OM. According to sources close to the matter, one of the main blocking points lies in the guarantees requested by OM concerning the playing time of its players. The Marseille leaders are reluctant to integrate young Marseille players without the assurance that they will have a regular place on the field.
To read: OM – AJ Auxerre: What time, what TV channel (streaming)?
Aubagne: financial concerns regarding salaries
On the Aubagne side, it is a financial problem which is slowing down discussions. The club, currently in National, finds itself unable to cover the salaries of young OM players, whose salaries are much higher than those of the Aubagne team. The club would like Olympique de Marseille to cover part, or even all, of these salaries in order to facilitate the integration of young talents.
Conclusion: A possible agreement, but not before the end of the season
Although an agreement with Martigues or Aubagne is still possible, Marseille leaders prefer to take the necessary time to evaluate all options. OM remains open to discussions, but it seems that financial and sporting obstacles will have to be overcome before a concrete solution emerges.
