Marseille’s Jordan Veretout is at the center of transfer speculations as Al-Duhail’s coach, Christophe Galtier, expresses a strong interest in bringing the midfielder to the Qatari league. Veretout, 31, is reportedly open to the move, but Marseille remains hesitant about letting him go without substantial negotiations.
Joining Olympique de Marseille (OM) from AS Roma in 2022, Veretout has been instrumental in the club’s recent successes in both domestic and European competitions.
With just a year left on his contract, he finds himself at a crossroads. Al-Duhail’s interest, driven by Galtier’s familiarity with the player, presents a timely opportunity.
However, OM’s management has not explicitly opposed the transfer but has set forth certain conditions that must be met for any deal to proceed.
The club is not willing to part with Veretout cheaply and expects a significant financial offer in return.
Veretout’s situation is complicated by OM’s financial strategy and performance considerations.
The midfielder, earning €500,000 per month, is one of the club’s highest-paid players.
OM is keen on reducing its wage bill and implementing a new cycle under the leadership of Roberto De Zerbi, the former Brighton coach who recently took charge.
De Zerbi’s arrival signals a shift in the club’s vision, aiming for strategic changes that align with his coaching philosophy.
Although Veretout may not perfectly fit the profile of players De Zerbi is targeting, his consistent performances make his potential departure a matter of debate within the club.
The midfielder’s synergy with key players like Leonardo Balerdi and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been crucial for Marseille’s attack.
This on-field chemistry cannot be overlooked, adding another layer of complexity to the decision of whether to sell him.
The balance between financial prudence and maintaining squad performance is delicate, and OM’s management is treading carefully.
As the summer transfer window progresses, the situation remains fluid. Al-Duhail’s pursuit of Veretout underscores their ambition to strengthen their squad with experienced and skilled players.
For OM, the potential transfer could provide an opportunity to reallocate resources and adapt to De Zerbi’s tactical demands.
However, the departure of a key player like Veretout would require careful consideration of the impact on team dynamics and performance.
Veretout’s future is uncertain, hinging on the negotiations between OM and Al-Duhail.
While the midfielder’s move to Qatar could be beneficial for both his career and Marseille’s financial objectives, the club’s reluctance to sell a valuable asset without adequate compensation is understandable.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Veretout will continue to be a mainstay in Marseille or embark on a new chapter in the Qatar Stars League.
