Bilel Omrani Determined to Stay Despite Marseille Exile
As Olympique de Marseille continues to streamline its squad under Marcelo Bielsa, several players have been placed on the club’s transfer list — including high-profile names like Rod Fanni, Morgan Amalfitano, Benoît Cheyrou, Modou Sougou, and Foued Kadir. Among the lesser-known but equally affected is 21-year-old striker Bilel Omrani, who now finds himself sidelined and without a clear path into the first team.
Despite being under contract until June 2016, Omrani is reportedly unwilling to sever ties with the club altogether. According to Foot Mercato, the former French U19 international is open to a loan move, ideally to a Ligue 2 side, in order to gain valuable playing time and continue his development.
“Bilel is obviously very sad to be part of the loft,” a source close to the player told Foot Mercato, referring to the group of out-of-favour players separated from first-team training. “However, he has decided to do everything possible to stay in shape in the event that a club comes forward.”
Still, the young forward is not ruling out staying in Marseille if no acceptable move materialises before the transfer window closes. That may mean playing in CFA 2, France’s fifth tier, with the reserve team — a prospect far from ideal for a player of his age and pedigree.
“Bilel has a two-year contract with OM. So yes, playing in CFA 2 is not good for the progression of a 21-year-old player, but if no club comes forward, he will be forced to go to CFA 2,” said the same source. “He is a player with great strength of character and who intends to do everything in his power to prove to Marcelo Bielsa that he is worth more than the fifth national tier.”
Omrani’s current status highlights the often-unforgiving nature of professional football, where talent must also align with opportunity and managerial preference. While his future at Marseille appears uncertain, his determination to fight for his place — or at least stay match-fit for a possible loan — reflects a maturity and resilience not often seen in players cast out of the squad.
As the transfer deadline looms, all eyes are on whether a Ligue 2 club will offer Omrani the chance he seeks — one that may yet reignite his once-promising career.
