Marseille coach Andre Villas-Boas admits that players must be sold amid reports that Morgan Sanson is on his way to Aston Villa, in quotes reported by FootMarseille.
While the 1993 European Champions managed to keep a talented crop of players together last summer, with right-back Bouna Sarr the only high-profile departure, things could be very different this time around.
Le10 Sport reported in April 2020 that Marseille were facing losses of around £100 million.
An already worrying situation has been exacerbated, too, by the combination of COVID-19 and the collapse of a billion dollar TV deal; a gut-wrenching blend that has plunged pretty much every Ligue 1 club into an unprecedented financial crisis.
Talismanic winger Florian Thauvin and influential full-back Jordan Amavi are both out of contract at the end of the season, but Sanson could be the first big-name player to head for the door.
The Mail reports that the all-action midfielder is in talks over a potential £20 million move to Aston Villa, with Newcastle and West Ham United circling like blood-thirsty vultures in the background (the Sun).
“If there are any offers, I think the club are not going to hide. As you know, the club’s economic position in relation to (Financial) Fair Play is fragile, and we must listen to the offers we may have,” Villas-Boas said.
26-year-old Sanson played a major role as Marseille finished second in Ligue 1, behind perennial champions Paris Saint-Germain, last season.
But, with his contract expiring in 2022, this is perhaps Marseille’s last chance to demand a substantial fee for one of the division’s most influential midfielders.
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