The record transfer of summer turns to frustration on the side of Marseille, where an unexpected shadow is already falling on one of the flagship recruits of the transfer window.
Recruited to embody a new offensive breath in MarseilleIgor Peaceao symbolized the ambition of a club in search of titles and spectacle. Its arrival, formalized against 35 million euros bonus included, had caused a stir,
Especially since the player has never hidden his admiration for Franck Ribérywhich he hopes to imitate in the hearts of supporters. However, the initial excitement quickly gave way to growing concern within the Olympian staff.
Announced as ready for the September truce of September, the former Feyenoord winger could finally have to wait longer before walking the lawn of the Vélodrome. Touched in the thigh in mid-July, Paixao had already missed all of the summer preparation. But according to Provenceinitial medical projections would today be deemed optimistic. The Marseille staff now evokes a later return, without a precise date, due to a more serious muscle problem than anticipated.
35 million and doubts: OM braked by Paixao
This medical uncertainty is weakening the plans of Roberto de Zerbi, who counted on the explosiveness of the Brazilian to energize his left corridor. Short of pace and absent from collective automatisms, Peaceao will undoubtedly miss the first shocks of Ligue 1 as well as the entry into the club in the Champions League. For a team under reconstruction, this setback may slow down the ramp -up hoped for in August.
On the management side, this situation temporarily cools the degreasing hints in attack. The Neal Maupay or Jonathan Rowe files, a time pushed towards the exit, could be reassessed in the short term. OM cannot afford to start the season without a reliable alternative to its most expensive player. Especially since other capital deadlines are approaching.
If Peaceao dreams of becoming an idol of the velodrome, his Marseille adventure begins with a frustrating stop. He will not only have to cure, but also to catch up with a precious playing time, at the risk of letting his chance in a workforce that will not expect it forever.
