Mercato OM: two major targets slip away, Marseille must rebound!

Ordóñez, the wall that’s too expensive

Roberto De Zerbi’s top target to shore up the center of defense, Joël Ordóñez had been on Marseille’s radar for weeks. The young Ecuadorian defender, frozen out by Brugge and determined to force a move, had even already agreed to join OM.

But faced with Marseille’s persistence, president Bart Verhaeghe changed tack: after initially setting a price around €30–35m, Brugge went up to €40m in the final hours. A price hike deemed indecent by the OM hierarchy, who decided to pull the plug on talks.

Bottom line: Ordóñez won’t be coming. A sporting disappointment, but also a clear message from Longoria and Benatia: OM won’t play the game of financial greed. The focus now shifts to Lutsharel Geertruida, far more attainable and already in advanced negotiations.

❌🇪🇨 Joël Ordoñez to Olympique de Marseille is definitively off. For a month, OM never managed to reach an agreement with Club Brugge, who changed their demands, then no longer wanted to sell before finally naming a price and asking for up to… €40m in the last few hours.… pic.twitter.com/axdZGLTqZG

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 31, 2025

Zhegrova: Juventus win the race

Another summer saga, Edon Zhegrova had nevertheless said “yes” to Marseille. There was a contract agreement in place with the Kosovan winger from LOSC, won over by Marseille’s project and eager to experience the Vélodrome.

But in the end Juventus had the final say. With an offer in excess of €20m, Turin convinced Lille and is finalizing the player’s arrival. For OM, it’s a blow: Zhegrova fit the ideal profile to supercharge the wings and anticipate a possible departure of Greenwood.

Once again, money talked. Longoria refused to enter a financial arms race impossible to match against Italian economic power.

🚨⚪️⚫️ Edon Zhegrova to Juventus, here we go! Deal done and exclusive story confirmed.

Lille accept package in excess of €20m as Zhegrova wanted Juventus move with personal terms agreed.

New winger for Igor Tudor. 🇽🇰 pic.twitter.com/KbQXGuLVOd

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2025

What now?

These two setbacks shouldn’t overshadow OM’s already impressive transfer window: Aubameyang, Douglas Luiz, Zirkzee, Angel Gomes, Traoré, Emerson Palmieri… and soon Geertruida or Aguerd.

But one thing remains clear: De Zerbi’s squad still needs completing, notably at center-back and in attacking play. The recruitment department is exploring other last-minute solutions to avoid leaving any gaps.

With 24 hours left in the window, OM can’t afford any mistakes. The Marseille faithful want action, not regrets. And as is often the case at this volcanic club, everything can change at the last moment.

Team OM, is missing out on Ordóñez and Zhegrova a big loss? Or should we instead applaud the club’s firmness in the face of financial excess?