Medhi Benatia saw one of his priority objectives escape him during the summer transfer window despite the Marseille interest.
The Marseille transfer window will not have been a flawless for Medhi Benatia. Despite the numerous reinforcements obtained for Roberto de Zerbi, the OM sports director also experienced some resounding failures. Several priority files capped during the summer, leaving regrets in the Phocaean offices. Among the missed targets is an experienced Brazilian international, yet perfectly in the Marseille strings and connoisseur of Ligue 1.
OM: a big failure for Benatia in the transfer window
According to Foot MercatoOM had set its sights on Malcom, currently in al-Hilal. The former Girondins de Bordeaux was seen as the ideal lining of Mason Greenwood on the front of the Marseille attack. His profile attracted: Brazilian international international, perfect knowledge of the requirements of the French championship, offensive versatility. So many assets that made a target of choice to strengthen De Zerbi's offensive animation.
The deal has never seen the light of day, leaving Benatia empty -handed on this very well committed file. The reasons for this failure remain vague, but OM will have to be satisfied with its current recruits to garnish its offensive sector. Malcom, he continues his Saudi adventure, far from European terrains where he could have found his feelings of youth.
OM: Benatia missed Malcom this summer
Regrets before the Champions League
This missed opportunity comes at the worst time for Marseille. A few days before the shock against Real Madrid in the Champions League, OM would have appreciated having a credible alternative to Greenwood. The European experience of Malcom, who went through Barça, would have been an undeniable plus to approach this continental campaign with more serenity.
Benatia nevertheless retains a attentive eye on the evolution of this file. If the opportunity is represented during a next transfer window, there is no doubt that OM will try its luck again. In the meantime, Zerbi will have to do with the current workforce to take up the Madrid challenge. A first deadline that will say a lot about the real ambitions of the Phocaeans this season.
