Big exit door for this recruit lacking playing time?

On Wednesday, Pablo Longoria was clear regarding the winter transfer window: “I would like to use the transfer window to recover part of the investments made during the summer. It would be healthy for the club’s economy. » Can Ismaël Koné, lacking playing time at OM, leave the club this winter? Lazio interested in a loan with option to buy. The Canadian midfielder, in difficulty under De Zerbi, could thus find a new opportunity in Serie A, in particular to replace Vecino in the event of his departure.

As the winter transfer window approaches, theMarseille Olympic must rebalance its finances, and some departures are inevitable. Expensive recruit last summer, Ismaël Koné is lacking playing time. Indeed, with only 7 appearances in Ligue 1 this season, including 3 as a starter, the Canadian of Ivorian origin does not seem to be part of the main plans of Roberto DeZerbithe young Nadir even seems to have overtaken him in the hierarchy. At 22 years old, and with an impressive physical profile (1.88 m), Koné is now on the radar of several European clubs, including Lazioaccording to The Corriere dello Sport.

To read: Mercato OM: “In June, we will see what we say to each other”

Did Lazio see Koné?

The interest of the Lazio is explained by the need of the Roman club to strengthen its midfield, in particular with a view to a possible departure of Matias Vecinothe Uruguayan player being at the end of his contract in June. Koné, with his robust style of play could perfectly adapt to the tactical system of the Italian club, which evolves in 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3. The Lazio would be looking to secure a player who can fill that role and potentially replace Vecino in the future. OM could be open to a departure in the form of a loan, with a purchase optionin order to increase the value of Koné while reducing its workforce. This departure would also allow OM to readjust its finances while offering Koné a new opportunity to establish itself on the European scene.

In this situation, OM finds itself faced with a dilemma: favor the integration of a young player with strong potential or turn to more experienced reinforcements for the present. Contacts with Lazio seem open, and Koné’s future could take shape in Serie A, perhaps as early as this winter.