Disappointment and drama are never far away at the Stade Velodrome.
While things are looking up again at Marseille, with the irrepressible Jorge Sampaoli cracking the whip at a club who have recently welcomed Mateo Guendouzi, William Saliba and Copa Libertadores winner Gerson, that sorry Boubacar Kamara saga is threatening to undermine the sense of cautious optimism growing at one of European football’s most demanding clubs.
Marseille born and raised, academy graduate Kamara is the very definition of a fan favourite – and not just because he grew up in the sprawling shadows of La Bonne Mere.
Your birthplace will only take you so far of course and, fortunately, the France U21 international has the ability to back up his status as one of the city’s favourite sons.
Kamara has been one of the first names on the team-sheet since the age of just 18, featuring in 42 games across 2020/21.
But, with his contract expiring in 2022, it feels increasingly likely that the versatile midfielder will leave his hometown club under a cloud.
According to Alfredo Pedulla, Kamara has turned down the chance to extend his stay at the Stade Velodrome this week.
As a result, Marseille are facing a decision nobody wanted to make: Do they sell Kamara now for just £15 million – Premier League trio Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United have expressed an interest – or risk losing him for absolutely nothing in 12 months (Mirror).
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