Marseille launch move for Hellas Verona and Algeria right-back Rafik Belghali

Olympique de Marseille have submitted a bid to sign Hellas Verona defender Rafik Belghali as they look to strengthen their squad before the new season.

The Ligue 1 side have targeted the 24-year-old right-back and, according to Tuttomercatoweb, have put forward a loan deal with an obligation to buy set at around €13m.

Hellas Verona are reported to be holding out for €15m, leaving a gap between the two clubs’ valuations that has yet to be bridged.

Competing interest from Serie A rivals

Belghali’s performances in Italy have attracted attention beyond Marseille, with Inter Milan and AS Roma also monitoring his situation, along with other unnamed clubs, according to information cited by Africafoot.

The Algeria international is under contract with Hellas Verona until 30 June 2029, which strengthens the Serie A club’s negotiating position as they seek to maximise any transfer fee.

Belghali currently earns an annual salary of €560,000 in Italy, equivalent to 364,000,000 FCFA, and is valued at around €12m.

Rapid rise at Hellas Verona and on the international stage

Belghali joined Hellas Verona in the summer of 2025 from Belgian side KV Mechelen and quickly established himself as one of the standout players in the team.

Strong defensively and attack-minded down the right flank, he has put together a series of eye-catching displays that have increased his profile in Serie A.

His reputation was further enhanced at the 2026 World Cup, where he impressed for Algeria and scored one goal during the tournament, boosting his market value and drawing more interest from major European clubs.

With Marseille pushing to reach an agreement and Serie A rivals tracking developments closely, Hellas Verona now face a decision over whether to cash in on a key asset or keep Belghali at the club for the long term.