Marseille monitoring Ilias Akhomach as Villarreal resist interest in Morocco winger

Olympique de Marseille are interested in Villarreal winger Ilias Akhomach, but the Spanish club are not currently willing to make it easy for the 22-year-old to leave.

Marseille are continuing efforts to reduce the size of their squad while also remaining active in the transfer market. The French club are looking for attacking reinforcements and have identified Akhomach as one of the players who could help reshape their forward line.

According to Spanish outlet AS, Marseille are among the clubs monitoring the Morocco international. Akhomach has established himself at Villarreal since joining the club in 2023 and is now attracting attention from several European sides.

A right winger by speciality, Akhomach is valued for his ability to take on defenders and inject pace and directness into attacking situations in the final third. Those qualities have made him an appealing option for Marseille as they assess how to strengthen their offensive department.

However, Villarreal have significant control over the player’s future. Akhomach is under contract with the Spanish club until June 2028, and Villarreal are understood to want to retain that leverage rather than allow their young winger to depart easily.

That position could make any potential negotiations difficult for Marseille. The club would need to decide whether to make a formal approach despite Villarreal’s stance or turn their attention to alternative targets if an agreement proves too complicated.

Competition for Akhomach

Marseille are not the only club reported to be interested in Akhomach during this transfer window. Africafoot has reported that Espanyol Barcelona are also following the Morocco winger.

For now, Villarreal appear to favour continuity and keeping Akhomach within their squad. The next step will depend on whether Marseille’s interest develops into a concrete offer or remains part of their initial assessment of possible attacking recruits.

Akhomach’s position at Villarreal has become increasingly secure since his arrival in 2023. His ability to operate on the right side, beat opponents directly and create momentum in the final metres of the pitch has helped place him on the radar of clubs beyond Spain.

Marseille’s interest comes as the club prepare for the opening round of the French championship, when they will face Strasbourg. The match will be the first day of the season for Olympique de Marseille, with attention also focused on the club’s efforts to balance squad departures and new arrivals.

Betting company 1xbet lists Olympique de Marseille as the favourites for that fixture. Its published odds give Marseille a 1.64 price to win, while a draw is rated at 4.20 and a Strasbourg victory at 4.30. The source article also refers to the option of downloading 1xbet.

The immediate transfer priority, however, remains unresolved. Villarreal’s long-term contract with Akhomach and their reluctance to open the door mean Marseille may have to act decisively if they want to test the Spanish club’s resolve.