Chancel Mbemba’s future in limbo after failed Al Shabab deal
Congolese defender Chancel Mbemba finds himself at a crossroads, with his future at Olympique de Marseille (OM) hanging in the balance. Pushed toward the exit door since the arrival of manager Roberto De Zerbi, Mbemba had seemed poised to make a move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab. However, negotiations with the club have collapsed, leaving the 29-year-old in an uncertain situation.
Mbemba, who has been sidelined and relegated to training with the “loft” of players not in OM’s immediate plans, remains in a tense relationship with the Marseille hierarchy.
Despite the closure of the summer transfer window, he is still technically part of the club, although far from its active squad.
Throughout the summer, there were opportunities for him to remain in Ligue 1, with interest from Stade Rennais and OGC Nice, but it was Saudi Arabia that seemed to present the most promising path forward.
Mbemba’s primary options in Saudi Arabia included Al Shabab and Al Ittihad.
The defender had the chance to move to the lucrative Saudi Pro League during the summer but opted to stay at OM for another season.
As tensions grew at the club and his prospects dimmed under De Zerbi, the prospect of a transfer to Al Shabab gained traction.
Al Ittihad initially showed interest but did not advance their pursuit.
Al Shabab then emerged as the frontrunner, with negotiations progressing into advanced stages.
The Saudi club reportedly offered Mbemba a deal worth €4 million annually, along with a €2 million signing bonus.
However, Mbemba held out for more, seeking a €5 million salary with a signing bonus of €3 million.
Despite being close to an agreement, the two parties were unable to bridge the gap in Mbemba’s financial demands.
Al Shabab was unwilling to meet his counteroffer, and tensions also arose between the player and Olympique de Marseille regarding the signing bonus.
OM had hoped to receive a share of Mbemba’s bonus, a stipulation that further strained the deal and ultimately led to the breakdown in talks.
With the collapse of the Saudi option, Mbemba remains at a standstill.
For now, he stays in limbo at OM, a player on the books but not part of De Zerbi’s future plans.
This unresolved situation may linger until the winter transfer window, when the defender could once again explore his options for a potential departure.
The failed deal leaves both Mbemba and OM in an awkward position.
The player is eager for a fresh start but remains tied to a club where his future appears untenable.
While a winter transfer might offer an opportunity for both parties to part ways, the lingering tension and lack of playing time could affect Mbemba’s form and market value.
For OM, keeping a high-profile player like Mbemba on the fringes is far from ideal.
The club will be hoping that a resolution can be found in the coming months, either through a renewed transfer push or an unexpected reconciliation.
As things stand, Chancel Mbemba remains an Olympique de Marseille player, albeit one waiting for the right opportunity to reignite his career elsewhere.
