Following the appointment of André Villas-Boas as head coach, Olympique de Marseille is intensifying its transfer activity ahead of the upcoming season. The French club is particularly focused on bolstering its midfield options, and Celtic Glasgow’s Olivier Ntcham has emerged as a top priority for the Ligue 1 side.
Marseille’s interest in Ntcham is not new. According to the Daily Record, OM scouts have closely monitored the Cameroonian-origin midfielder throughout the season, tracking his performances despite recurring physical problems that have affected his consistency. The club sees Ntcham as a versatile and creative addition to Villas-Boas’s squad, capable of strengthening the team’s attacking build-up from midfield and providing a spark in key areas of play.
Ntcham, 23, remains under contract with Celtic until 2022. His technical skills, vision, and ability to dictate tempo in midfield have drawn attention from several European clubs. Among them, Portuguese giants FC Porto have also shown significant interest and have been pursuing the player since last summer. Marseille will face competition from Porto if they are to secure the Cameroonian international’s services.
The club’s sporting director, Andoni Zubizarreta, is reportedly leading discussions with Ntcham’s representatives to explore the possibility of a transfer. While Celtic may be open to negotiation, the player’s physical record and current injury history will likely play a role in the terms and valuation. Nevertheless, Marseille views Ntcham as a key component in Villas-Boas’s vision of a more dynamic and competitive team next season.
For Marseille, recruiting Ntcham fits into a broader strategy to rebuild the squad following a season of mixed results. Villas-Boas, who has a reputation for developing cohesive and attacking-minded teams, appears to see Ntcham as a player capable of influencing both domestic and European campaigns. His addition would provide tactical flexibility, allowing the French club to deploy different formations and attacking patterns without compromising control in midfield.
Celtic, for their part, face a difficult decision. The Scottish champions have invested in Ntcham as part of their midfield core, but his desire to explore new opportunities and Marseille’s interest could lead to a high-profile move during the summer transfer window. If Marseille succeeds, it would mark a significant acquisition for the club and a statement of intent under Villas-Boas, signaling ambition to compete for domestic honors and make an impact in European competitions.
In summary, Olivier Ntcham has emerged as a key target for Olympique de Marseille as the club seeks to strengthen its midfield and attacking options ahead of the 2026 season. Villas-Boas’s arrival has accelerated the club’s transfer plans, with Ntcham representing a potential addition capable of elevating Marseille’s overall performance. As negotiations continue, the Cameroonian midfielder remains one of the most closely watched African players in European football, with his future likely to be decided in the coming weeks.
