OM: How the club’s three-month transfer window unfolded: the story of a sizzling summer

The initial quest: stability and a 4-2-3-1

In late May, after securing a top-three finish in Ligue 1, Roberto De Zerbi already had a plan in mind: ditch his asymmetrical 3-5-2 and go back to a more classic 4-2-3-1. But to do that, the winger profiles needed a deep rethink and a solid center-back partnership had to be secured. The mission: turn the page on a brittle defense and get OM back on the front foot.

A quick start, a cautious beginning

From early June, Luis Henrique heads to Inter for €23m, giving the finances a first breath of fresh air. Ismaël Bennacer returns, his loan not made permanent, though the idea of a later comeback remains on the table. Then come the first reinforcements: CJ Egan-Riley (free), Angel Gomes (free) and Facundo Medina (loan with option). A calm start, almost too cautious, but one that sustains optimism.

The summer goes into overdrive: sales and stunners

During the training camp in the Netherlands, the market speeds up. Rongier and Quentin Merlin leave for Rennes (€19m), Ismaël Koné joins Sassuolo. But OM hit back hard: Aubameyang returns on a free, Timothy Weah arrives from Juve, and above all, the bombshell of the summer drops: Igor Paixão signs for €30m, a record transfer. The Vélodrome dares to dream.

The Rabiot affair, turning point of the summer

Then, a bombshell: the defeat at Rennes and the Rabiot–Rowe bust-up. Two key players sidelined, a media storm, and a leadership forced to act in a hurry. It’s the start of a crazed final sprint.

A blockbuster finish: six signings in a flurry

In the final hours, OM pull off a revolution: Traoré, Emerson, Vermeeren, Aguerd, O’Riley and Benjamin Pavard sign in quick succession. A completely rebuilt defense, a reinforced midfield, and a team transformed on paper. Derek Cornelius heads to Rangers, but Harit, Maupay and Lirola are left on their hands, awaiting possible exits abroad.

A squad rebuilt from top to bottom

From the team in late May to that of September 1, the contrast is striking:

• At the back: Pavard, Aguerd, Medina and Emerson completely change the game.
• In midfield: Angel Gomes, O’Riley, Vermeeren bring cohesion and technique.
• Up front: Paixão adds an explosive touch, while Aubameyang rounds out the rotation.

In three months, OM has a new look. Twelve signings, fifteen departures: a total revolution, true to the club’s reputation as unpredictable and fiery.

Between excitement and vertigo

This 2025 window will go down in Olympien history as a permanent emotional roller coaster: stability promised, frenzy lived, sagas on repeat. The team looks stronger, more competitive, but at what cost? The coming months will tell whether this revolution was the right bet… or another bout of Marseille madness.