Transfer window: Hamed Junior Traoré, a tempting gamble for our OM?

Friends, what a crazy 2025 transfer window from OM! With Paixão, Medina, Weah, Gomes, Egan-Riley, and even Aubameyang’s return, we could have been more than satisfied. But you know Pablo Longoria and Mehdi Benatia: never satisfied, always hunting for that little extra that can tip the season. And now a new name is doing the rounds insistently: Hamed Junior Traoré. Yes, the very one who lit up Ligue 1 with Auxerre last season.

Why Traoré has mouths watering

Remember: 10 goals and 2 assists in 26 Ligue 1 matches with Auxerre. Not in a star-studded team, no, but in a limited side. Yet he shone. Driving runs, technique, dynamism: exactly what we’ve too often lacked. And on top of that, his versatility: as a box-to-box midfielder, a left winger, or even higher up, he can be deployed in several systems. In an OM side still looking for balance in midfield and on the wings, he’s a golden option.

The De Zerbi connection matters

And then there’s the detail that changes everything: Traoré already knows Roberto De Zerbi. It was under his orders at Sassuolo that he broke out before heading to England. We know the Italian coach loves leaning on players he’s already coached and knows inside out. Imagine their chemistry rekindled in OM colors! Hard to believe De Zerbi isn’t pushing internally to move this deal along.

But beware, it’s not a risk-free move

Let’s be honest: this transfer comes with question marks. Bournemouth paid 25 million in 2023 and never really knew what to do with him. A failed loan at Napoli, and then back to Ligue 1 where he got back on track. Today, he’s still down the pecking order at his English club, despite a good start to the season (an assist against Liverpool). His contract runs until 2028: Bournemouth won’t let him go on the cheap. Is it worth splashing out after already investing so much this summer? That’s the real question.

The competition is real

Let’s not kid ourselves: if OM are on the case, we’re not alone. Lyon have already tried their luck, Monaco are keeping a close eye, and other European clubs are monitoring. For now, nothing is wrapped up, but we know that in the final week of the window everything can speed up in a flash. And with Rowe off to Bologna, that explosive profile on the left wing is sorely missing from our squad…

What do you think?

So, supporters, do we go for it? Do we break out the checkbook for a player who’s proved himself in Ligue 1 and already knows our coach? Or do we stay cautious, because the finances aren’t unlimited and there are still other priorities?

As always, it’s up to you to keep the debate alive: Traoré, masterstroke or too risky a bet? Drop your analysis, your favorites, and your doubts in the comments. OM is all of us!