Like every evening, FCM offers you the 3 OM news of the day! On the program this Wednesday: Pogba's strong choice, the Mbemba problem and the referee vs Lens…
Mercato OM: it’s far from being resolved with Mbemba!
Chancel Mbemba, central defender of Olympique de Marseille, is going through a difficult period under the direction of Roberto De Zerbi. The Congolese player, who is no longer part of his coach's plans, was sidelined this summer. Although he begins training sessions with the group, he finishes them alone, accompanied by members of the technical staff, which reflects his current situation within OM.
Amsterdam, Netherlands, 09/21/2023: Vitinha (Olympique Marseille) looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2023/2024 – Group B match between AFC Ajax vs Olympique Marseille at Johan Cruijff ArenA on September 21, 2023 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by NESimages/Raymond Smit/DeFodi Images) Amsterdam, Netherlands, September 21, 2023: Vitinha (Olympique Marseille) looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2023/2024 – Group B match between AFC Ajax vs Olympique Marseille at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on September 21, 2023 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by NESimages/Raymond Smit/DeFodi Images) – Photo by Icon sport
The 2024 summer transfer window marked a turning point in his career. Indeed, Chancel Mbemba refused a Saudi offer, believing that he could leave Olympique de Marseille free one year from the end of his contract (June 2025). However, this decision was not well received by OM leaders, who rejected the idea of a departure without compensation. The Marseille club hopes to recover a transfer fee, even modest, before the end of the season.
To read: OM: The superb control, chained pass from Greenwood…
At the end of October 2024, a proposal from Montpellier HSC was also made, but Mbemba again refused. According to L'Equipe, this situation makes his departure uncertain during the next winter transfer window, although OM could try to negotiate a paid transfer in January, in order to recover a small transfer fee.
Mbemba / OM: situation still blocked this winter?
Olympique de Marseille is firm in its negotiations: as long as the Congolese defender is under contract, the club wishes to avoid letting him leave for free. For his part, Chancel Mbemba continues to favor a free departure in 2025, reinforcing the uncertainty around his future. If the winter transfer window could offer a way out, nothing is guaranteed, and the situation could continue until the end of the season.
In summary, Chancel Mbemba's future at OM is closed and the player should not play again with the Marseille jersey. Between his desire to leave free and the financial demands of the club, the question of his departure is far from being resolved, and the next winter transfer window could be crucial.
Lens – OM: a referee who smiles in Marseille
This Saturday, November 23, 2024, Olympique de Marseille travels to Lens for a crucial match on the 12th day of Ligue 1. A clash between two ambitious clubs, with high stakes for the race for European places. But an additional factor could play in favor of OM: the referee appointed for this meeting, Éric Wattelier, who seems to have brought luck to the Marseillais for several seasons.
Arbitration is called into question after OM-Monaco.
The referee Eric Wattelier officiated in eight matches for Olympique de Marseille, and the results are clear: seven victories and only one defeatagainst Andrézieux in the Coupe de France. This impressive record makes him a positive referee for the Marseille club. Among these matches, there were notable victories like the 2-4 against Lorient at Moustoir, where a red card was given to Jonathan Clauss. However, no controversial decision has marred OM's performance under his leadership.
OM, the good statistics of Éric Wattelier
The match between Lens and OM is of capital importance in the fight for Europe. Both teams are in good form, and Marseille wants to continue its good start to the season in Ligue 1. Under the refereeing of Wattelier, OM have often had the wind in their sails, which could provide a little psychological boost to the Marseille players for this difficult meeting at Bollaert-Delelis.
Read: One more package! RC Lens will have to deal with a decimated defense against OM!
Details on refereeing and VAR
For this meeting, Éric Wattelier will be assisted by Cedric Favre et Ludovic Reyes. Romain Lissorgue will officiate as fourth referee, while Bastien Dechepy and Christian Guillard will be responsible for VAR. These arrangements ensure that all key decisions will be closely scrutinized, which could influence the outcome of this momentous match.
OM will be able to concentrate on their level of play and their ambitions to try to come away with three points against a formidable opponent.
Mercato OM: Pogba makes a strong first choice?
Paul Pogba, suspended for doping after a positive test for a testosterone derivative in August 2023, will not be able to return to competition until March 2025. This 18-month suspension raises questions about his professional future. According to ESPN, the midfielder favors a return to one of the five major European championships, thus excluding destinations like MLS or Saudi Arabia.
Paul Pogba – Photo by Icon Sport
Although rumors pointed to a move to MLS or the Middle East, according to ESPN Paul Pogba seems determined to stay in Europe. While Olympique de Marseille is regularly cited as a club interested in the player, this option still seems unclear. Patrice Evra, his former teammate in the French team, suggested that Pogba could relaunch his career at OM, but nothing concrete seems to validate this possibility…
Also read: OM competitor: Grégory Schneider denounces maintaining OL purchased on credit!
The possibility of a return to the French team
Beyond his club future, Paul Pogba has a specific objective: find the French team. Didier Deschampsthe Blues coach, has not closed the door to a return of Pogba if he manages to regain his best physical and mental level. This prospect could encourage the player to choose a competitive club in Europe in order to prove that he is still capable of playing at the highest level. Ligue 1 could be an ideal springboard for such a return.
Interested European clubs
Several European clubs are already in contact with Pogba's entourage, ready to offer him a second chance. If Ligue 1 could be an option, the English, Italian and Spanish championships cannot be ruled out. The player will have to demonstrate that he can play one match after another and get back to his best level to hope for a return to the French team.
In conclusion, although his future remains uncertain, Paul Pogba seems to favor a return to Europe. A return to Ligue 1, particularly to OM, is a possibility to follow closely, but other major European clubs could also be in the race.
