five defenders to recruit this winter to strengthen Roberto De Zerbi's squad

Olympique de Marseille and Roberto De Zerbi are going through quite a zone of turbulence in recent days. After being slapped at home by PSG in the Classic, the Olympians were re-served by AJ Auxerre in an equally humiliating home defeat marked by grotesque defensive errors.
Obviously, two months before the winter break, OM will have to work behind the scenes to strengthen their rearguard, particularly in central defense and at right-back. Here are five players that OM could seek out in January to strengthen themselves.

Kiliann Sildillia : Fribourg

Already courted by Olympique de Marseille last summer, the deal between OM and Friborg for Kiliann Sildillia was ultimately not concluded. A regret for Pablo Longoria given the situation of the right lane of his club this season. Thus, OM could return to the charge this winter for the 22-year-old defender, capable of playing on the side but also of helping out in the axis of defense.

With only three matches played since the start of the season, hampered by a few minor injuries, Kiliann Sildillia could therefore have a good exit this winter, he who is not an important player in the German squad this season. The French international hopeful is under contract until June 2026 and is valued at 15 million euros.

Arouna Sangante : There's nothing like it

At only 22 years old, Arouna Sangante is the captain of this Le Havre team. Although he missed Le Havre's last three matches due to an injury, he nonetheless remains a reliable and very important player in Didier Digard's Le Havre squad, who could be replaced. With a powerful character, the Senegalese defender could, in addition to bringing competition, come with an aggressiveness that seems to be lacking in the Marseille defense.

It remains to be seen whether Le Havre, already in great difficulty, will agree to part with it while the club is fighting to maintain its position. Arouna Sangante is valued at 10 million euros and is still under contract until June 2026, which could benefit Marseille.

Zeki Celik: AS Roma

Today at AS Roma, Zeki Celik enjoyed his time in the right lane of LOSC from 2018 to 2022. At only 27 years old, the Turk is an experienced player in Ligue 1, crowned with a championship title of France in 2021 with the Mastiffs. Faced with Pol Lirola's shortcomings in his right lane, the arrival of a profile like Celik could bring more serenity and sharpness to Roberto De Zerbi.

Valued at 6.5 million euros, Zeki Celik is an affordable player for OM and could be tempted to return to the championship which saw him shine. Under contract until 2026, the Roman club could be tempted to part with him so as not to see him leave free in a year and a half.

Martin Vitík: Sparta Prague

Aged 21 Martin Vitík brings joy to Sparta Prague. Trained at the club, the 1.93 meter defender has already played nearly 130 matches for Sparta including 25 European matches and is officiating this season in the Champions League. He also has five selections for the national team.

Under contract until 2026, Martin Vitík has a bright future in the five major European championships and OM could be the first club to benefit from it. He is valued at 15 million euros but his club could ask for more given his importance in the squad.

Alexander Djiku: Fenerbahçe

Alexander Djiku is currently a Fenerbahçe player. The French defender spent his entire career in France between Bastia, Caen and Strasbourg before joining Turkey in 2023. Now aged 30, the native of Montpellier is an executive in José Mourinho's squad with thirteen starts since the start of the season.

With 221 Ligue 1 matches to his credit, Alexander Djiku could also bring all his experience to a squad lacking benchmarks at the start of the season. He also benefits from European Cup experience with the Europa League which he plays in Türkiye, including a draw against Manchester United. All at a lower cost since it is only valued at 9 million euros.