Marseille’s Ziyech Gamble: Financial Hurdles and Injury Concerns Cloud Potential Star Signing

The main obstacle is financial. The wage bill of OM is currently too high and supervised by the DNCG, the financial control body of French football. To make Ziyech’s arrival possible, the club must imperatively sell a player with a significant salary. The names of Amine Harit and Neal Maupay are mentioned as potential departures to championships where the transfer window remains open. The player’s salary demands, even revised downwards, are also a point of negotiation.

Beyond the economic aspect, the player’s profile raises questions on the sporting level. Ziyech is coming off a difficult season in Qatar and his history of injuries calls for caution, particularly after a failed medical at the Al-Nassr club in 2023. His reputation as a player with a strong character is also an element taken into account by the Marseille management.

Finally, OM is facing competition from other clubs on this case. Spanish teams, including Elche, would also be interested and could guarantee him significant playing time in view of the next African Cup of Nations. The recruitment of Hakim Ziyech by Marseille therefore remains at this stage a simple possibility, dependent on the resolution of multiple obstacles.