Amine Harit gives Marseille new reason to reconsider his future

Amine Harit’s prospects at Olympique de Marseille have changed after he impressed in a new role and earned public backing from manager Bruno Genesio. The 29-year-old Morocco international had appeared likely to leave the club, but his performance in a 3-1 friendly win against Athletic Bilbao may have opened the door to a fresh opportunity.

Harit started on the right wing and caught the eye of Genesio, who believes the attacking midfielder can still provide a useful option for Marseille, even if the club signs another player in that position.

“Harit? He showed that he could be a viable solution on the right wing. But if there is a signing in that position, he showed that we could count on him,” Genesio said.

The Marseille manager was particularly encouraged by Harit’s work without the ball, alongside the technical ability that has long been one of his principal strengths.

“He has potential and he needs to become aware of it,” Genesio added.

Those comments represent a significant shift in the picture surrounding Harit. Marseille had until recently been prepared to consider offers for the player, with a Qatari club reportedly making enquiries. The French club would prefer a permanent transfer rather than another loan, while Harit is understood to want to stay and fight for his place after being encouraged to leave for more than a year.

Harit returned to Marseille after spending last season on loan at Istanbul Basaksehir. His time in Turkey did not completely resolve the doubts that have followed him throughout his career.

The former Nantes player made 24 league appearances for Basaksehir, scoring twice and providing three assists. He maintained his familiar ability to beat opponents and create openings, but his influence was not always converted into effective play in the final third.

That lack of consistency has been the central issue in Harit’s career. From his early days at Nantes to his time with Schalke 04, the word “potential” has repeatedly been associated with the player.

At 29, however, that potential remains largely unfulfilled. The Morocco international, who has won 24 caps and last represented his country in January 2024, has enjoyed strong spells at Marseille. None has lasted long enough for him to establish himself as an undisputed regular.

Harit remains under contract until 2027, giving Marseille a decision to make over his future. The club’s efforts to reduce its attacking options could create more opportunities for him, while Genesio’s comments suggest the manager is willing to give him a chance.

His versatility could also make him valuable as part of the squad’s rotation, particularly if Marseille recruit another right-sided player. For now, Harit has been given a platform to change the perception around him.

The next challenge is to turn Genesio’s confidence into sustained performances. It could be Harit’s best, and possibly final, opportunity to alter his status at Olympique de Marseille.