Genesio Names Six Key Players to Form OM's Backbone

Bruno Genesio has made his decision: six players — Leonardo Balerdi, Timothy Weah, Emerson Palmieri, Quinten Timber, Igor Paixao and Amine Gouiri — will form the backbone of Olympique de Marseille this season, according to L’Équipe. The decision comes in a context of virtually no transfer activity, with OM having signed no players since the start of summer.

Placed under DNCG supervision, the club has prioritized sales to clean up its finances. Mason Greenwood departed for €39 million, Facundo Medina for €23 million, Geronimo Rulli for €2 million and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for €1.5 million. In this context of widespread cost-cutting, where every player is viewed as a budget adjustment variable, identifying untouchable leaders was almost a challenge.

This status as “designated leader” does not guarantee presence in September, but it outlines the architecture of the Marseille starting eleven. Leonardo Balerdi, again criticized after his performance against Atlético de Madrid in preparation, should nevertheless retain his starting place. Timothy Weah, one of the rare bright spots from last season, even wore the captain’s armband following a dispute with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

In attack, Igor Paixao delivered a convincing preseason despite rumors of a move to Leeds. After Greenwood’s departure, the Portuguese player is set to take on the role of offensive leader. He will be supported by Amine Gouiri, who is targeting a full first season at OM after a promising debut year; the Algerian international could establish himself as a major asset in Genesio’s system.

The question of reinforcements remains open until the transfer window closes. Heavily sought after during preseason, academy graduates could seize their opportunity this season, a rare prospect in the club’s recent history.