Olympique de Marseille has welcomed Malian U17 international Hamidou Makalou on trial as the club prepares for the upcoming winter transfer window.
The 17-year-old defensive midfielder has attracted attention following a series of standout performances on the international stage.
Born in 2006 and developed at Mali’s Guidars FC, Makalou played a crucial role for his country during the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup, where Mali secured a bronze medal.
Makalou featured in all seven of Mali’s matches at the tournament, contributing two goals and an assist.
His dominant displays in midfield earned him recognition as the tournament’s second-best player, solidifying his reputation as one of Africa’s brightest young prospects.
These impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, with Olympique de Marseille acting swiftly to offer the teenager an opportunity to showcase his talent at the club.
Makalou is currently training with the Marseille squad, and should he impress the coaching staff, he could earn a place in the OM reserve team.
The French giants are keen to bolster their ranks ahead of the second half of the season, and Makalou’s trial comes as part of their wider preparations for the winter transfer window.
The club’s interest underscores their strategy of identifying emerging talents and nurturing them for the future.
Marseille’s trial period will provide Makalou with a vital opportunity to demonstrate his ability to compete at a higher level.
Known for his composure on the ball, tactical awareness, and physical presence, the young midfielder has already shown maturity beyond his years.
The prospect of joining a club with Marseille’s stature presents a significant milestone in Makalou’s promising career.
If successful, he could follow in the footsteps of other African talents who have used Ligue 1 as a springboard to stardom.
For now, the focus remains on Makalou proving his worth during this trial period.
With his strong international credentials and raw potential, the Malian teenager will be aiming to convince the OM hierarchy that he is ready to take the next step in his development.
As the winter transfer window approaches, Marseille’s pursuit of young, dynamic players like Makalou signals their commitment to building for both immediate and long-term success.
