OM transfer market: Benfica say no to a deal for Florentino Luís, but the door remains ajar!

We suspected as much: going after a key player like Florentino Luís was never going to be simple. And here we are—Benfica has already rejected Marseille’s first proposal. According to A Bola, the Lisbon club said no just a few hours after receiving the offer from Pablo Longoria and Mehdi Benatia. Tough, but not yet an insurmountable wall.

A first rejection, but the deal isn’t dead

Let’s be clear: Benfica is protecting its jewel. The 26-year-old midfielder, a club academy product, still has two years left on his contract and a high market value. The Portuguese side has turned down not only Marseille, but also bids from England and Saudi Arabia. Still, the local press insists: Benfica isn’t completely closing the door. In other words, if OM returns with an improved offer, the deal could move forward.

Why Florentino is a priority target

Florentino is exactly the profile Roberto De Zerbi wants: a midfielder who can win the ball, protect the defense, and also move forward cleanly. Last season, he played 45 matches in all competitions and already has 24 Champions League appearances to his name. Suffice it to say he would bring valuable European experience to an area where OM needs to find balance quickly.

Fierce competition

Careful, Marseille isn’t alone in this fight. Besides the English and Saudi clubs already mentioned, Italian and Turkish teams have also been sounding things out. What does that mean? That Marseille will not only have to open the checkbook, but also convince the player that his future lies at the Vélodrome. The good news: De Zerbi’s aura and the ambition of Marseille’s project could carry real weight.

What now?

There are only a few days left in the window. OM needs depth in midfield, and Florentino ticks all the boxes. The ball is now in Longoria and Benatia’s court: press on with an increased bid, or switch to plan B?

So, Team OM, what do you think? Should we play hardball for Florentino, or save our strength for a different profile? Share your thoughts in the comments!