At the start of the season, Olympique de Marseille encountered defensive difficulties which pushed the club to look for significant reinforcement. Summer recruits Derek Cornelius and Lilian Brassier have not yet lived up to expectations, and OM find themselves looking for an experienced central defender. While the names of Danilo (Juventus) and Jakub Kiwior (Arsenal) are circulating in the corridors of the Vélodrome, it is towards Saudi Arabia that OM could find a major opportunity…
Indeed, Kalidou Koulibaly, the ancient rock of Naplestoday at Al-Hilalis struggling to regain his best level in Saudi Arabia after a difficult start. The Senegalese captain could be pushed out by his club this winter, and he has already mentioned the possibility of a return to Europe. This situation could offer OM the opportunity to recruit a world-class defender, capable of solidifying a Marseille defense in difficulty.
However, several obstacles stand in the way of this transaction. The high salary of Koulibalywho currently receives an astronomical salary at Al-Hilal, represents a real financial challenge for OM, already constrained by its budgetary limits. In addition, competition is likely to be tough, because several European clubs, particularly in the Premier League, could be tempted by the idea of relaunching the Senegalese international.
An astronomical salary…
Whatever happens, the Koulibaly opportunity should be of interest Pablo Longoria and his sports advisor Mehdi Benatia. The club needs experience to support Léo Balerdi and the profile of the 33-year-old former Chelsea defender could match. The Saudi club must make choices and could exfiltrate the Senegalese for the benefit of Neymar.
Koulibaly on loan from Al-Hilal to make room for Neymar?
Not included in the list of foreign players allowed to play in the first half of the Saudi championship season, with each club able to include up to 10 foreign players, Neymar should take advantage of the winter break to integrate this contingent, thus replacing Kalidou Koulibaly. According to the newspaper Markthis decision implies that Koulibalyunder contract with Al-Hilal until June 2026, could be loaned or sold during the winter transfer window. This opens the door to a possible exit of the Senegalese defender, who could find a new challenge in Europe, and in particular atABOUTwhere his profile would be particularly sought after to strengthen the Marseille defense.
