Marseille consider making Geoffrey Kondogbia a permanent centre-back

Marseille are considering a significant change to Geoffrey Kondogbia’s role, with the club keen to establish the Central African international as a regular centre-back, according to L’Equipe.

Kondogbia has already filled in at the heart of the defence on several occasions since joining Olympique de Marseille, but the club are now understood to be examining whether he should make the position his long-term base. The 33-year-old’s defensive experience and versatility could be used more consistently in the centre of the Marseille back line.

The proposed switch would represent an important development for a player who has primarily been associated with midfield during his career. However, Kondogbia’s ability to operate in more than one position is regarded as a valuable asset by Marseille, particularly as the club prepare for the coming season.

His experience could give the team an alternative defensive option without removing his capacity to contribute in midfield. Marseille appear willing to entrust him with greater responsibility in defence, although it remains unclear whether the move will ultimately become a permanent change rather than an occasional tactical solution.

Kondogbia is under contract with Olympique de Marseille until 30 June 2027. His current estimated transfer value is €3m, while his reported annual salary is €5,450,000, equivalent to 3,542,500,000 FCFA.

The possible positional change comes shortly before Marseille begin their French championship campaign. Their opening-day match is against Strasbourg, with the fixture set to provide an early indication of how the squad may be used.

Betting odds listed for the game have Marseille as favourites at 1.64. A draw is priced at 4.20, while a Strasbourg victory is listed at 4.30.

For Marseille, Kondogbia’s potential conversion could provide both defensive cover and tactical flexibility. The club must now decide whether his future should be centred primarily on the back line, where his physical presence and reading of the game may offer additional stability, or whether to continue using him between midfield and defence.

Any final decision is likely to depend on the team’s requirements and the options available to the coaching staff. For now, the plan under consideration would give Kondogbia a more defined role at centre-back while preserving the versatility that has made him useful to the squad.