While Pau Lopez’s departure to Como is becoming clearer, OM is working hard to find a successor. The names of Brice Samba (Lens) but especially Illan Meslier (Leeds) have been mentioned in recent hours.
After three years in goal for Olympique de Marseille, Spanish goalkeeper Pau Lopez is close to packing his bags. Impeccable during his years in Provence, the former AS Roma goalkeeper will leave a good memory, but his last season was a little below expectations, which is why Mehdi Benatia and Pablo Longoria wanted to turn the page. Genoa has shown great interest in Pau Lopez but it seems that it is Como, promoted to Serie A for the 2024-2025 season, who will win the bet. This departure will allow OM to bet on a more complete goalkeeper and among the targets, Brice Samba and Illan Meslier are at the top of the Marseille board’s short-list.
A possible salary agreement was discussed with the French international, currently at the Euro with the Blues. According to the insider account La Minute OM, it is nevertheless Illan Meslier who is the No. 1 target of the Marseille club, with the approval of new coach Roberto De Zerbi. As for the supporters of the English club Leeds, where Ilan Meslier has played since 2020, we however seem to be delighted with the possible departure of the former FC Lorient goalkeeper. An enthusiasm at the idea of seeing him leave which may raise questions about the interest for Olympique de Marseille in recruiting a goalkeeper who would ultimately not be that strong if we rely on the opinions of the former’s supporters. Marcelo Bielsa’s club.
Leeds fans welcome Meslier’s departure
“He’s worthless if we’re honest, but let’s try to get the most out of him because he’s big and French”, “It’s not the same with him since Marcelo (Bielsa) left”, “I hope how true it is (his departure)! » or “I would pay to take him to Marseille” can be read on the specialized accounts of LUFC, where Ilan Meslier is almost unanimously opposed by Leeds United supporters. A speech that can raise questions, but which does not mean everything either. We remember in particular that Arsenal supporters were delighted to palm off Sead Kolasinac or Mattéo Guendouzi to OM, and that these two players succeeded in Provence. Same thing for AS Roma fans with Pau Lopez and Cengiz Ünder. Beyond the level of the players, everything is sometimes a question of context. Let’s hope so in any case for Illan Meslier, who will be highly anticipated in the event of a transfer to OM, where the Olympians supporters have not yet completely turned the page on Steve Mandanda, despite three years with Pau Lopez in goal.
