While he is still in the middle of a conflict with Olympique de Marseille, Chancel Mbemba would not have any desires elsewhere in January. In his interest, there is his contract, but also the advantages which he would prefer to benefit from before considering any departure.
The series still promises to be long. At 30, Chancel Mbemba, captain of Leopards of DR Congois one of the most experienced players on the African continent. Born in Kinshasa, the 1m82 defender has 85 international caps to his credit, he is an undisputed leader for his country. He was among the 10 nominated for the 2024 African Ballon d’Or.
At OM, last season was marked by total involvement on his part with around forty matches played. But since the arrival this summer and the conflict between him and his management, Mbemba has been relegated to the background. The arrival of Roberto De Zerbi has not changed the equation. The Italian technician no longer considers him a centerpiece of the squad, which has led to an even clearer break between the player and the club.
Despite this sidelining, Chancel Mbemba is still Marseille and did not play a single minute during the 2024-25 fiscal year. Already invited to leave the club last summer, he refused all offers. His current contract, considered financially advantageous, seems to be one of the main reasons for his choice to stay.
A strategy that slows down negotiations
According to journalist Thibaud Vézirian, Mbemba is determined to complete his commitment to OM, despite the interest of several clubs.
« Even if he currently has three leads, three targets, I know, for the moment, he is determined to complete his contract, which is a lucrative contract at OM. He didn't steal it from anyone “, he explains. A decision which does not make the task of Marseille leaders easier.
In addition to his contract, the Congolese would have set high conditions to consider a departure. According to The Olympian Tribunethe central defender would demand a significant signing bonus in his future club. He would also like OM to give up receiving transfer compensation, a situation difficult to accept for Marseille leaders, who hope to recover at least 3 million euros in this operation. Faced with this firm position, OM could find themselves obliged to keep Mbemba until the end of his contract in June.
