Olympique de Marseille’s Congolese defender, Chancel Mbemba, has emerged as a key target for Saudi club Al Ittihad, who are looking to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the new season. Mbemba, currently under contract with OM, has found himself at odds with the club’s management, putting his future at the French club in doubt.
The 30-year-old has one year left on his contract with Marseille, but relations between him and the club’s hierarchy have soured, leading to a standoff that has left him on the fringes of the team.
Excluded from the first-team setup and relegated to training with the reserves, Mbemba faces a crucial decision about his next move, with Al Ittihad reportedly ready to make a lucrative offer to bring him to Saudi Arabia.
Talks between Al Ittihad and Mbemba’s representatives have reportedly begun, though details of the potential deal remain under wraps.
The Saudi club, one of the country’s footballing powerhouses, is looking to capitalize on the defender’s situation at Marseille and lure him to the Middle East with promises of regular playing time and a significant financial package.
Mbemba’s current predicament comes after he reportedly rejected a move to Stade Rennais earlier in the transfer window.
His exclusion from Marseille’s professional squad has left him with limited options: either continue with the club while facing the prospect of minimal playing time, or accept a transfer elsewhere to reignite his career.
The situation has become a delicate balancing act for Mbemba.
Staying at Marseille would likely result in a season on the sidelines, a scenario that could prove detrimental for a player of his experience and stature.
Leaving for Al Ittihad, however, could offer a fresh start and the chance to play regularly again, though it would mean moving away from European football and the spotlight that comes with it.
With just a week remaining in the 2024 summer transfer window, the clock is ticking for both Mbemba and Al Ittihad.
The Saudi side is eager to bolster its squad, and Mbemba’s defensive abilities would provide a major boost to their ambitions.
For the Congolese international, the decision to stay or go could define the next stage of his career.
As the transfer window nears its close, all eyes will be on whether Chancel Mbemba opts for a move to Saudi Arabia or chooses to remain in Marseille, where his future remains uncertain.
Either way, the coming days are likely to be pivotal for both the player and his club.
