Olympique de Marseille is set to finalize the signing of 18-year-old Malian prospect Hamidou Makalou, following a successful trial with the club. Widely regarded as a rising star in Malian football, Makalou gained prominence during the U17 World Cup last year, where he was named the tournament’s second-best player.
The young defensive midfielder, currently playing for Guidars in Mali, has reportedly impressed Marseille’s Pro 2 coach, Jean-Pierre Papin, with his performances during his trial.
A product of the renowned Jean-Marc Guillou Academy in Bamako, Makalou has drawn comparisons to French international N’Golo Kanté due to his relentless work rate and box-to-box playing style.
Makalou’s Potential and Style
Standing at 1.64 meters, Makalou defies his diminutive stature with boundless energy and technical prowess, traits that have earned him a reputation as one of Africa’s most promising midfielders.
His ability to cover extensive ground on the pitch, coupled with his skillful ball control, places him in the lineage of notable Malian midfielders such as Seydou Keita, Mahamadou Diarra, and Yves Bissouma.
Despite interest from several European clubs, Makalou has opted to continue his development in Marseille, a decision that highlights his ambition and the trust he has in the club’s vision for nurturing young talent.
Transfer Details and Development Plan
Currently under contract with Guidars, Makalou is expected to sign a three-and-a-half-year deal with Olympique de Marseille. While the exact transfer fee remains undisclosed, initial reports suggest Guidars had sought €3 million for the young midfielder.
Makalou’s journey at Marseille will begin with the Pro 2 squad, which competes for promotion to National 2. Additionally, he is likely to feature for the U19 team, which has ambitions of clinching the national championship.
Regular training sessions with the senior team are also part of his development roadmap, with a full integration into the first team projected for next season, depending on his progress.
Olympique de Marseille’s investment in Hamidou Makalou underscores their commitment to cultivating young talent and strengthening their squad with promising players who could make an impact at the highest level in the near future.
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