Olympique de Marseille spent a lot and renewed its squad this summer. But, in reality, the Marseille club mainly focused on its midfield, its attack and its goalkeeper position. Few reinforcements intervened on the defensive line.
OM: a lack of level and depth on the full-backs
Only Derek Cornelius and Lilian Brassier arrived in Marseille this summer and are two central defenders. During these first months of the championship, a real lack of depth was felt in the defense at OM. Injuries and suspensions didn't help matters.
The absence of a few weeks of Quentin Merlin notably highlighted the lack of backup at the left-back position, while on the right Amir Murillo, who was the announced starter for this season, is not very satisfactory since Pol Lirola, who seemed completely out of the race, is in the process of overtaking him in the hierarchy.
Benatia doesn't let go of Sildillia
Thus, the arrival of at least one full-back appears to be essential for the winter transfer window. The Marseille club in any case seems well on its way to remedying this shortage in the squad. Indeed, the Nigerian right-back, Bright Osayi-Samuel would be in OM's sights. Even if this track has since cooled, this shows a desire on the part of Marseille management to strengthen this full-back position.
But at the right-back position, OM would have a new track, already well known by the supporters. According to information from the media Jeunes Footeux, Mehdi Benatia still has his eye on a certain Kiliann Sildillia. The international hopeful, who plays in Fribourg, was already in the sights of the Marseille club this summer when he shone at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Kiliann Sildillia: a difficult start to the season with Friborg
Ultimately, this deal was not made but the Marseille management did not forget it. The 22-year-old player, who was even the priority at the end of the Marseille transfer window, is having a difficult start to the season in Germany.
An indisputable starter with Friborg over the last two seasons, he has only played three Bundesliga matches this season. Lukas Kubler is particularly preferred to the right-back position, even though he had some physical problems at the start of the season.
A transfer for less than €15 million?
Its starting price, which was around 15 million euros this summer, could therefore potentially be revised downward by the German club. The latter could be more open to a sale with the good performance of Lukas Kubler.
Note that the contractual situation of Kiliann Sildillia, who is at the end of his contract in June 2026, could also play in favor of a departure. If OM has the means to invest around 10 million euros this summer on a full-back, the Marseille club will surely try to recruit the French international hopeful in January.
Passionate about sport and from Toulouse, I am of course a supporter of the great TFC, which has more titles than OM and OL combined over the last ten years.
