In a dramatic turn of events during the final hours of the transfer window, Olympique de Marseille’s hopes of securing Algerian international Ismaël Bennacer were dashed due to an unforeseen complication involving Bamo Meïté.
Marseille had set its sights on Bennacer, who was also attracting interest from Saudi Arabian clubs and Atletico Madrid.
The French club worked tirelessly to bring the 26-year-old midfielder to the Stade Vélodrome, reportedly convincing Bennacer to join their ranks.
Negotiations with AC Milan were progressing smoothly, with discussions centered around a loan deal for the player.
However, the deal hinged on Marseille offloading Ivorian defender Bamo Meïté to free up space and funds for Bennacer’s arrival.
Despite the club’s efforts, Meïté did not secure a move away from Marseille, a crucial step that was necessary to finalize Bennacer’s loan.
The failure to move Meïté meant that Marseille could not meet the conditions required to bring Bennacer to France, and the transfer window closed with the deal unfulfilled.
The situation was a significant blow to Marseille, who had hoped to bolster their midfield with Bennacer’s experience and versatility.
Bennacer, who remains with AC Milan, was also on the radar of Atletico Madrid, though the Spanish club similarly failed to secure his services before the window shut.
For Marseille, the failed transfer underscores the fine margins and complexities of football negotiations, where one unresolved issue can unravel even the most promising deals.
The club’s leadership had managed to gain Bennacer’s agreement, a significant achievement given the competition for his signature, only to see the move fall apart due to Meïté’s unresolved future.
As the season progresses, both Bennacer and Marseille will look back at this near-miss with a sense of what might have been.
For now, Bennacer continues his career at Milan, while Marseille must reconsider their options as they navigate the challenges of the Ligue 1 campaign without their desired midfield reinforcement.
