Marseille Transfer News: Aubameyang Reunion Looms

Marseille transfer news took a dramatic turn this week as reports surfaced that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be heading back to the Stade Vélodrome, potentially linking up with fellow Premier League alumnus Mason Greenwood. Sources close to Olympique de Marseille confirm that sporting director Mehdi Benatia has already opened informal talks with the Gabonese striker, currently under contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah, who are allegedly ready to terminate his deal a year early.

Marseille transfer news sparks talk of an Aubameyang comeback

Aubameyang enjoyed a prolific 2023-24 campaign in Provence before opting for a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia last summer. Although the 34-year-old bagged 18 league goals in his sole season at Marseille, his spell in Dammam has been less fruitful. Al-Qadsiah’s planned squad overhaul—driven by financial fair-play concerns and a new foreign-player quota—has thrown Aubameyang’s future into doubt, opening the door for Marseille to swoop in.

What a return could mean for Mason Greenwood

Greenwood, still weighing up permanent destinations after his season-long loan at Getafe, has been heavily linked with Marseille for weeks. The Ligue 1 giants view the 22-year-old as a versatile forward who can play wide or centrally, complementing Aubameyang’s predatory instincts. Bringing in both attackers would instantly solve the club’s long-standing lack of firepower, while adding depth ahead of a European campaign should Les Phocéens qualify via the league or the domestic cup.

Financial jigsaw: balancing wages and FFP

The main stumbling block for Marseille transfer news watchers is how the club squares the financial circle. Aubameyang earned a reported €10 million net in Saudi Arabia, a figure Marseille cannot match outright. Club insiders suggest a two-year deal laden with performance bonuses, combined with a lower guaranteed salary of around €4 million annually. Greenwood’s cost will come via a transfer fee—Manchester United are rumoured to be asking for €25-30 million—though amortisation across a five-year contract keeps the first-season outlay manageable.

How Aubameyang fits into Roberto De Zerbi’s system

With former Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi tipped to replace Jean-Louis Gasset this summer, tactical flexibility will be key. De Zerbi’s fluid 4-2-3-1 or 3-2-4-1 setups rely on a mobile centre-forward to press from the front and threaten in behind. Despite his age, Aubameyang remains one of Europe’s quickest strikers over the first five metres, making him an ideal spearhead. Greenwood’s ability to invert from the flank or drop into the No. 10 pocket dovetails with De Zerbi’s positional play.

Player perspective: why Aubameyang likes Marseille

Family ties and lifestyle also weigh heavily. Aubameyang’s family loved their time in southern France, and sources close to the player say he has kept in contact with several former teammates, including Dimitri Payet and Jonathan Clauss. He sees a return as a chance to recapture top-level European football while preparing for next January’s Africa Cup of Nations with Gabon.

Reaction from the Marseille dressing room

Captain Samuel Gigot welcomed the rumours: “We all know what ‘Auba’ brings—goals, experience, and positive energy. Younger players feed off that. If the club can make it work, it’s a massive boost.” Goalkeeper Pau López echoed the sentiment, adding that Greenwood’s potential arrival would give Marseille “the pace and creativity that unsettles defences.”

Competing suitors and timeline

Aubameyang also has admirers in Major League Soccer and Turkey, while Greenwood has interest from Juventus and several Premier League mid-table clubs. Nevertheless, Marseille remain confident. Negotiations with Al-Qadsiah are expected to progress quickly once the Saudi season concludes in late May. United, for their part, prefer a swift resolution to Greenwood’s future before the squad joins its July pre-season tour of the United States.

Primary focus keyword drives online buzz

The phrase “Marseille transfer news” has trended across French social media, reflecting the fanbase’s hunger for marquee signings after a frustrating domestic campaign. Club forums are awash with tactical line-ups slotting Aubameyang up top, Greenwood on the right, and Pierre-Emerick’s erstwhile rival Alexandre Lacazette occasionally name-dropped as a surprise backup option.

Historical context: Marseille’s rich tradition of star strikers

From Jean-Pierre Papin’s Ballon d’Or heroics in the early 1990s to Didier Drogba’s iconic single season, OM supporters revere goalscorers who combine flair with a big-game temperament. Aubameyang’s proven Ligue 1 pedigree and Greenwood’s raw talent fit that lineage. Club president Pablo Longoria often cites “winning with style” as a non-negotiable, and this double-swoop embodies that philosophy.

Potential hurdles: medicals and match fitness

Any deal will hinge on medical examinations. Aubameyang suffered a minor hamstring strain in April, while Greenwood missed the final two games of Getafe’s season with ankle soreness. Marseille’s medical staff are confident both can be ready for a mid-July training camp at La Commanderie, provided they follow customised off-season programmes.

Fan engagement and merchandising upside

Commercially, the pairing is a marketer’s dream. Aubameyang’s trademark front-flip celebration and Greenwood’s burgeoning global profile could see shirt-sales spike. Marseille’s kit supplier is already preparing contingency designs featuring custom “AUBA 14” and “GREENWOOD 11” typography in anticipation of early-July unveilings.

What happens next?

1. Al-Qadsiah must finalise Aubameyang’s contract termination, expected in the next fortnight.
2. Marseille will then lodge a formal free-agent offer, likely until 2026 with an option for 2027.
3. United will demand a guaranteed fee for Greenwood, but Marseille hope add-ons linked to Champions League qualification can bridge any gap.
4. Once personal terms are agreed, medicals could be scheduled for late June, aligning with the opening of the French transfer window.

Opinion: Calculated risk worth taking

Reuniting Aubameyang with Ligue 1 and pairing him with Greenwood is a bold move that ticks both sporting and commercial boxes. While questions linger over wage structure and off-field scrutiny, the upside—goals, star power, and renewed Champions League ambition—makes the gamble worthwhile. For a club desperate to reclaim its place at the summit of French football, turning this Marseille transfer news into reality could redefine the 2024-25 season.