Marseille bolstered their squad with a deadline day triple swoop, landing Benjamin Pavard on loan from Inter Milan, alongside Matt O’Riley and Nayef Aguerd. These signings aim to address Marseille’s poor start to the Ligue 1 season and strengthen their chances of competing for major honors. Pavard’s arrival, in particular, brings experience and quality to the defense, while O’Riley and Aguerd add depth and competition to the midfield and backline, respectively. The Marseille faithful will be hoping that these additions can help the team achieve their goals and bring success back to the club.
Marseille has made a significant statement of intent as the transfer window slammed shut, securing the services of three key players in a deadline day frenzy. France international Benjamin Pavard headlines the arrivals, returning to his homeland to join Roberto De Zerbi's side. Alongside Pavard, Marseille has also landed Matt O'Riley and Nayef Aguerd, signaling a clear ambition to revitalize their squad after a stuttering start to the Ligue 1 season.
De Zerbi's second campaign at the helm has begun inauspiciously, with Marseille suffering defeats in two of their opening three league games – a disappointing run not seen since the 2015-16 season. Last season's runners-up, however, have responded emphatically, moving decisively in the transfer market to strengthen their ranks and address the areas of concern.
Pavard's arrival is undoubtedly the most eye-catching. The versatile defender joins on loan from Inter Milan, with Marseille holding an option to make the deal permanent next year for a reported fee of €15 million. Pavard brings a wealth of experience and quality to the Marseille backline, having enjoyed considerable success at both club and international level.
The French international rose through the youth ranks at Lille before embarking on his Bundesliga journey with Stuttgart in 2016. After three impressive years at the MHP Arena, Pavard made the move to Bayern Munich, where he established himself as one of Europe's top defenders. During his time in Bavaria, he played a pivotal role in Bayern's dominance, helping them secure four successive Bundesliga titles and the coveted Champions League crown in 2019-20.
Following his successful spell in Germany, Pavard joined Inter Milan, adding further silverware to his collection with a Serie A title in 2023-24. He also experienced European success with Inter, finishing as a runner-up in the UEFA Champions League last season. His versatility, defensive prowess, and experience at the highest level make him a valuable asset to Marseille's squad.
In addition to Pavard, Marseille has also secured the signature of Matt O'Riley, a dynamic midfielder known for his creativity and energy. O'Riley's arrival will provide De Zerbi with more options in the middle of the park and add a different dimension to Marseille's attacking play. Nayef Aguerd, a commanding center-back, completes the trio of deadline day signings. Aguerd's presence will bolster Marseille's defensive solidity and provide valuable competition for places in the backline.
With these three additions, Marseille has significantly strengthened its squad and sent a clear message to its rivals. The club's hierarchy will be hoping that Pavard, O'Riley, and Aguerd can quickly integrate into the team and help Marseille rediscover their form. De Zerbi faces the challenge of integrating the new signings into his system and finding the right balance in the team. However, with the quality and experience that Pavard, O'Riley and Aguerd bring, Marseille fans have every reason to be optimistic about the season ahead.
The arrival of Pavard, in particular, is a major coup for Marseille. His experience at the highest level, combined with his versatility and defensive abilities, make him an invaluable addition to the squad. Pavard's leadership qualities will also be crucial in helping to guide the team and instill a winning mentality.
Marseille's activity in the transfer market suggests that they are determined to compete for major honors this season. After finishing as runners-up last season, they will be aiming to go one better and challenge for the Ligue 1 title. The addition of Pavard, O'Riley, and Aguerd has significantly strengthened their squad and given them a platform to build on. Whether they can achieve their ambitions remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: Marseille will be a force to be reckoned with this season.
The Marseille faithful will be eagerly anticipating the debut of their new signings. The atmosphere at the Stade Velodrome is renowned for its passion and intensity, and the arrival of Pavard, O'Riley, and Aguerd will only add to the excitement. Marseille fans will be hoping that these new additions can help the team achieve their goals and bring success back to the club.