Mamadou Niang Eyes Return to French Football with Arles-Avignon
Former Olympique de Marseille star Mamadou Niang could be set for a return to French football, with Ligue 2 side Arles-Avignon reportedly in talks to secure his signature.
Niang, who earned legendary status among Marseille supporters during the late 2000s, has had an eventful career since leaving the club. After successful spells at Fenerbahçe in Turkey and Al Sadd in Qatar, the Senegalese striker is now considering a move back to the south of France.
According to L’Équipe, Niang has already been in contact with Marcel Salerno, the president of Arles-Avignon, and has expressed a strong interest in returning to the region. The club is believed to be offering a two-year contract to the 34-year-old, who remains a popular figure in French football.
However, a key obstacle stands in the way of the deal: Niang’s current salary. The veteran forward reportedly earns around €800,000 per year, and any move back to France would require him to take a significant pay cut.
If an agreement can be reached, Niang’s arrival would represent a major coup for Arles-Avignon, both in terms of experience and attacking firepower. His return could also reignite memories for fans of his past heroics in Ligue 1, particularly during Marseille’s title-winning campaign in 2009–10.
While negotiations are ongoing, Niang’s possible return is one to watch in the coming weeks as the summer transfer window progresses.
