N’Golo Kanté Set for Marseille Switch as Mandjeck Lined Up as Replacement
A deal is close to completion that would see Caen’s standout midfielder N’Golo Kanté join Olympique de Marseille as a replacement for Giannelli Imbula, who has officially signed for FC Porto.
While not yet fully confirmed, the 24-year-old Kanté is expected to finalise his move in the coming days, with the transfer fee estimated at €5 million. The Caen star is reportedly set to earn a monthly salary of €100,000, excluding performance-related bonuses.
Kanté enjoyed a stellar season in Ligue 1, playing 37 of Caen’s 38 matches, contributing two goals and two assists. Standing at 1.69m and weighing 69kg, the Malian-born midfielder has built a reputation as a tireless ball-winner with sharp anticipation and relentless energy — qualities that made him one of the most consistent performers in the league.
Despite Marseille’s strong interest, Kanté had initially preferred a move abroad, with Bundesliga and Premier League clubs circling. English side Leicester City had reportedly tabled a higher offer of €11 million, but it appears Marseille have won the race for his signature.
In response, Caen are already preparing for life after Kanté. Cameroonian international Georges Mandjeck is expected to be brought in as a direct replacement. Mandjeck, 26, has spent the past two seasons in Turkey with Kayseri Erciyesspor but is reportedly set to be released from his contract, which runs until 2016.
Well-acquainted with French football, Mandjeck previously played for Rennes and Auxerre, bringing Ligue 1 experience and physical presence to Caen’s midfield.
The move reflects Caen’s continued reliance on African talent to build and reinforce their squad — a strategy that has proven successful in recent seasons.
An official announcement regarding Kanté’s transfer is expected soon.
