Olympique Marseille have enjoyed an eventful season, as is normally the case for the French giants, yet this campaign could end in silverware with Jorge Sampaoli’s side and talented players in the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final.
With Les Phoceens also sitting pretty in a UEFA Champions League spot in the league table, Marseille could complete one of their most successful seasons in recent memory with a European trophy and a top-three finish in Ligue 1.
And for Premier League clubs, Marseille are host to some very exciting talents, with numerous players in the squad already reportedly catching the eye of some of England’s biggest sides, and here are just seven players who could leap across the English Channel this summer.
Pol Lirola
Signed from ACF Fiorentina initially on loan in January 2021 before moving to Marseille on a permanent deal last summer, Pol Lirola was once tipped as one of the most exciting defenders in Spain, yet whilst the 24-year-old hasn’t hit the heights many expected from the right-back, the Ligue 1 star has still developed into a solid player.
Not the quickest but technically fantastic and tactically aware beyond his years, Lirola could be ready for a move to a Premier League this summer should a club want to take a gamble on the Spaniard and also meet Marseille’s transfer demands, which could be quite high.
Duje Caleta-Car
From one Marseille player who the club will fight tooth and nail to keep to one who Sampaoli is more than happy to offload, Duje Caleta-Car has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time, and this summer could finally see the Croatian land a move.
A sturdy centre-back with plenty of experience, Caleta-Car would make for a fine addition for many Premier League sides, and with the likes of Aston Villa and Wolves recently linked to the defender, a move to England seems certain this summer.
Boubacar Kamara
Another defensive Marseille player who looks set for the Premier League is Boubacar Kamara, with the midfielder set to become one of the hottest free agents in the upcoming transfer window this summer.
Linked to the likes of Leeds United and Manchester United and reportedly demanding wages as high as £150,000-a-week, Kamara would be a costly purchase this summer, yet one that could work out spectacularly given his age, potential and experience with Marseille.
Franco Tongya
A player from Marseille’s youth side, Franco Tongya is yet to break into the senior squad despite impressing this season and originally coming through Juventus’ academy. And this summer could see the 20-year-old depart the south of France for greener pastures.
An attacking midfielder by trade and an Italian youth international, Tongya could be an excellent pick-up for a Premier League side looking to lower the age of their squad as well as sign a talent for the future with the ability to play as soon as next season.
Konrad de la Fuente
Any American coming through a major European club will immediately have the limelight shone on them, and that’s exactly what happened to Konrad de la Fuente at FC Barcelona before moving to Marseille last summer.
Whilst his season can to an abrupt end due to injury, the Miami-born winger is regarded by many as one of the USA’s most exciting youth talents, and a Premier League move could be Konrad’s next career step this summer.
Arkadiusz Milik
Another player who looks almost certain to leave Marseille this summer, reports in recent weeks have suggested that Arkadiusz Milik is not happy with Sampoli’s style of play, and this news could be music to some Premier League sides.
Linked to Tottenham and West Ham last summer, the Polish international could be an incredible signing for any side looking to sign a top striker, and with Marseille open to a transfer, a potential bargain could also be had if played correctly.
Bamba Dieng
Bamba Dieng’s stock has risen considerably in 2022 after playing a starring role for Senegal in their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations victory for the Lions of Teranga, and this summer could see the 22-year-old make the move from France to the Premier League.
Reportedly a target for both Crystal Palace and West Ham, Dieng’s potential and style of play make him an alluring target for English sides, and the striker could be well-suited to the Premier League given his intelligence and physicality.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
