Alex Song Open to Marseille Move, But Salary Remains a Stumbling Block
By BBC Sport
Cameroonian international Alex Song is reportedly open to joining Olympique de Marseille, but financial hurdles are threatening to derail a potential move.
The FC Barcelona midfielder is said to be interested in the prospect of wearing Marseille’s colours, with sources indicating he has been convinced by the club’s sporting project. However, salary negotiations appear to be the major sticking point.
According to reports, Marseille president Vincent Labrune has made contact with both Song’s representatives and FC Barcelona in a bid to explore a deal. While Song himself has not ruled out a move to Ligue 1, the 26-year-old’s current wages—believed to be substantial—are proving problematic for Marseille’s management.
Discussions between the two camps are ongoing, but progress has reportedly stalled over the club’s inability to match Song’s salary expectations. The former Arsenal midfielder currently earns a figure well beyond what Marseille are typically able to offer, and this financial gap could prove decisive.
Football journalist Simon Berry reported via social media on Tuesday: “Alexandre Song was reportedly convinced by the Marseille project… but not by Labrune’s salary offer. Discussions continue.”
While Marseille remain hopeful of a breakthrough, they face stiff competition from Premier League clubs, where Song’s reputation remains strong. The Cameroonian international spent seven years in England with Arsenal before moving to Barcelona in 2012, and his potential availability has not gone unnoticed in the English top flight.
As the transfer window nears its close, time is running short for Marseille to secure a deal that would bring the experienced midfielder back to Ligue 1. Whether the French side can find a financial solution that satisfies all parties remains to be seen.
