Marseille Eyes Djilobodji and Cissokho as Winter Reinforcements Amid AFCON Departures
Olympique de Marseille is preparing for a critical winter transfer window, with the club’s management targeting defensive reinforcements to counter expected squad departures during the Africa Cup of Nations. Top of the list is Senegalese centre-back Papy Djilobodji of FC Nantes, who has been on Marseille’s radar for several months.
The 26-year-old defender, a regular for both club and country, has impressed with his physicality and composure at the back, making him a prime candidate to bolster Marcelo Bielsa’s squad. While Marseille previously lacked the financial resources to secure Djilobodji’s signature, club officials are reportedly ready to make a renewed effort in January.
Joining him on Marseille’s shortlist is another Nantes player — right-back Issa Cissokho. The potential double swoop reflects the club’s urgent need to strengthen defensively, with key players Nicolas Nkoulou and André Ayew set to miss a significant portion of the season while on national duty at the 2015 AFCON in Equatorial Guinea.
However, whether these prospective additions will receive the approval of head coach Marcelo Bielsa remains uncertain. The Argentine tactician has not been shy about voicing his discontent with the club’s recent transfer dealings. In early September, Bielsa publicly criticised Marseille president Vincent Labrune for what he described as a mismanaged summer window.
Despite spending on players like Michy Batshuayi, Abdelaziz Barrada, Romain Alessandrini, and Doria, most of the club’s new recruits have seen limited playing time. Bielsa has often favoured a consistent starting eleven, relegating many summer signings to roles as substitutes or fringe players.
As the winter window approaches, Marseille will hope that any new arrivals not only plug the gaps left by AFCON absences but also align with Bielsa’s tactical vision — something that has been a point of contention in the past. The coming weeks will determine whether Djilobodji and Cissokho fit into that puzzle.
