Lorenzi targets Magnetti, Pagis and Kanté to rebuild OM on a budget

Grégory Lorenzi, appointed sporting director of Olympique de Marseille to replace Mehdi Benatia, has begun outlining his first summer transfer window. Constrained by debt estimated at over €100 million and insufficient Europa League revenue to cover this liability, the Phocaean club will need to be inventive, betting on accessible profiles and flexible transaction structures.

To do so, Lorenzi is drawing on the network he built during ten years at Brest. The first lead identified points to Hugo Magnetti, midfielder at SB29 and a native of Marseille. According to La Minute OM, the player is indeed on Olympique’s radar. Valued at €6 million on Transfermarkt, Magnetti presents the profile of a midfielder capable of filling gaps in midfield, and his attachment to his hometown would facilitate discussions.

Second name linked to the new management: Pablo Pagis, 23, winger at Lorient who had a remarkable season with the Merlus. The Phocaean outlet reports that initial contact between the two clubs has already taken place. RC Lens and Paris FC are also reportedly in the running for this talent valued at €15 million. Marseille would have a significant advantage, however: Pablo Pagis, son of former Vélodrome striker Mickaël Pagis, is said to have a particular affection for the Phocaean club.

Finally, a lead from England completes the picture. West Ham, freshly relegated to the Championship, would be willing to part with Mohamadou Kanté, 20-year-old French defensive midfielder who made 18 appearances with the Hammers this season. OM would face competition from AS Monaco on this file, as well as other European clubs.

Meanwhile, rumours surrounding Ilan Kebbal, another Marseille native who came through at Reims and Paris FC, persist. The right winger is being considered to fill the announced departure of Mason Greenwood.