Chancel Mbemba set to remain at Marseille following Saudi Arabia snub

Chancel Mbemba (30) remains in the loft at Olympique de Marseille. His prospects of getting out of it and featuring for OM this season are slim; the same goes for the likes of Azzedine Ounahi, Jordan Veretout, and Ulisses Garcia. However, the Congolese defender was offered an exit route, only for the option to be rejected.

Mbemba’s options are dwindling. With many transfer windows already shut, Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab showed interest and even made concrete steps to sign the Marseille defender, according to a report from Foot Mercato. He was offered a €4m contract, plus a €2m signing bonus, however, that did not meet Mbemba’s expectations. He was instead demanding a salary of €5m plus a €3m signing bonus.

Al-Shabab were not willing to meet those terms and have therefore pulled out of negotiations. It is now looking increasingly likely that Mbemba will stay at OM, despite his limited playing prospects. A move to Turkey may, however, be an option, with the window there open until 13th September.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle