FC Lorient are preparing to negotiate with Olympique de Marseille in a bid to keep defender Bamo Meïté beyond his current loan spell, after deciding the agreed purchase option is too costly under their present financial constraints.
The 24-year-old centre-back, who joined Lorient on loan with a reported option to buy worth between five and six million euros, has re-established himself as a central figure in the club’s defence.
His performances have strengthened Lorient’s desire to make the move permanent, even as club officials conclude that the original terms are not viable in their current budget framework.
According to Le Télégramme, Lorient will not activate the purchase clause in its current form. Instead, the Breton side is expected to pursue firm negotiations with Marseille in an effort to reduce the overall transfer fee.
The club’s hierarchy believes Meïté’s resurgence in Brittany justifies the attempt to secure revised conditions that would allow him to remain.
Meïté’s revival has followed a challenging spell earlier in his career. Since arriving at Lorient, he has become an undisputed starter, bringing stability and consistency to the back line.
Coaches and supporters alike have seen him grow into a dependable presence, reinforcing the club’s long-term interest in retaining him.
So far this season, the Kani-born defender has featured in 15 Ligue 1 matches and contributed two assists, underlining his value at both ends of the pitch.
While his parent club Marseille holds his registration until 2028, Lorient view his current form as evidence that he fits their sporting ambitions.
Financial considerations remain central to the situation. Meïté reportedly earns an annual salary of €1,270,000, a figure that adds to the complexity of any permanent arrangement.
Even so, Lorient’s leadership is determined to explore every avenue to keep a player who has quickly become integral to their defensive structure.
With negotiations anticipated, the coming weeks are likely to determine whether Lorient can translate their sporting priority into a deal that aligns with their economic reality, while Marseille weigh their own position regarding the defender’s future.
