Announced for a long time, the theory of wait OM comes back in force. Frank McCourt would have planned an XXL budget for the next winter transfer window, which reignites debates on the supposed involvement of the Saudis in the financing of Olympique de Marseille
OM sale: Frank McCourt with a budget of €80 million for the transfer window
For several years, the possible takeover of Olympique de Marseille by Saudi investors has fueled debate. However, despite these persistent rumors, no concrete evidence has come to confirm the OM sale. Meanwhile, Frank McCourt, owner of the Marseille club, continues to financially support the Marseille project, as evidenced by a recent revelation concerning the next winter transfer window.
Several sources close to the club in fact mention a substantial budget of 80 million euros to strengthen the team led by Roberto De Zerbi. This impressive sum, validated by Frank McCourt, aims to compensate for any shortcomings in the squad and maintain the club's ambitions in Ligue 1. Currently third in the standings, behind PSG and AS Monaco, OM must imperatively ensure a place in the Champions League next season.
This objective is crucial for OM's new project, determined to return to the most prestigious European competition. Supporters hope that January's investments will give the team a second wind, in a season where the margin for error is reduced. However, if the announcement of this budget delights some fans, it also raises various questions.
Secret involvement of Saudi investors?
Thibaud Vézirian, a journalist known for his positions on the OM sale, expressed reservations about the way in which this information was disclosed. According to him, making such a precise figure public in advance can be counterproductive. Indeed, this could encourage player agents to increase their demands, thus complicating negotiations for the club.
“To say that OM has 80 million euros for the transfer window is dangerous, because it exposes the club to unnecessary bidding wars”he declared on his channel Twitch. At the same time, Vézirian's comments revive speculation on the origin of the funds injected into OM. Even if Frank McCourt remains the majority shareholder of the club, some wonder if Saudi investors do not play an indirect role in the financing of the club.
The main instigator of the OM sale has always suggested that capital from the Middle East would already support Olympique de Marseille, even if no tangible proof has been provided to date. For now, Frank McCourt remains determined to stay the course and continue his efforts to consolidate his property. With this new envelope, OM has XXL ambitions for the second half of the season and hopes to qualify for the C1, even if the road is still long.
