Epolo emerges as Marseille’s preferred option to replace Rulli

Olympique de Marseille have identified Standard de Liege goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo as their leading target to become the club’s next number one following the departure of Geronimo Rulli, according to Get Football News France.

The Ligue 1 club are working to strengthen their goalkeeping position before the end of the transfer window and have made the 21-year-old a priority. Epolo has impressed in Belgium and his performances have attracted the attention of Marseille’s recruitment team.

However, Standard de Liege are in a strong negotiating position because Epolo’s current contract runs until June 2029. The Belgian club are demanding €8m for the goalkeeper, which represents the main obstacle to a potential move.

Marseille would only be able to invest that amount after completing several sales from their existing squad. The club must therefore raise funds before they can make a formal proposal to Standard de Liege.

The timetable is becoming increasingly tight, with several other European clubs also monitoring the situation. Another French side, a Premier League team and Valencia have all expressed an interest in signing Epolo.

Marseille will need to accelerate their efforts if they are to secure their preferred candidate before the transfer window closes. The competition for the goalkeeper means the French club risk losing him if they cannot move quickly.

Epolo’s emergence has made him one of the most sought-after young goalkeepers in Belgium. His contract length gives Standard de Liege considerable leverage, while the €8m asking price means Marseille’s ability to complete sales will play a decisive role in any negotiations.

Olympique de Marseille are also preparing for their second match of the French championship, when they will face AS Monaco. The match will take place shortly, with 1xbet listing Marseille at odds of 2.55 to win, a draw at 3.50 and an AS Monaco victory at 2.17.

The meeting comes as Marseille continue to address their squad before the transfer deadline. While their immediate focus will be on the match against AS Monaco, the club’s search for a new first-choice goalkeeper remains active, with Epolo currently at the centre of their plans.