Malang Sarr too expensive: OM's defensive target slips away

Olympique de Marseille is working on finding a replacement for Nayef Aguerd in central defence, but the Malang Sarr option, briefly considered internally, already appears off the table due to disagreement over salary terms.

Arrived from West Ham for €23 million, Aguerd has failed to establish himself permanently in the OM shirt. Hampered by injuries, the Moroccan international defender played only 16 Ligue 1 matches and 22 across all competitions during the 2025-2026 season. Facing uncertainty over his future, the Marseille club is exploring several central defence profiles.

Malang Sarr’s name has resurfaced insistently in recent days. According to Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, the defender’s agent recently met with Marseille executives to discuss a transfer this summer. Under contract with RC Lens until June 30 — with an unused option for an additional year — the former Chelsea, Monaco and Nice player represented an accessible profile on paper.

But according to Romain Canuti, journalist at Le Phocéen, the player’s salary demands exceed OM’s current capacity, and the club is not making this deal a priority. An assessment that considerably dampens hopes of a signing. Should he leave Lens, Malang Sarr could turn to more lucrative markets, notably Turkey or Saudi Arabia.