Young Mali midfielder Nouhoum Kamissoko targets breakthrough at Marseille

Malian midfielder Nouhoum Kamissoko has committed his future to Olympique de Marseille until June 2027, as the 21-year-old prepares to push for a senior breakthrough under new head coach Habib Beye.

Currently vice-captain within the club structure, the former Étoiles du Mandé academy player is regarded as a developing prospect capable of stepping into the first-team picture after featuring in the reserves.

A versatile midfield profile

Kamissoko spent part of last season on loan at LB Châteauroux in the National division, making six appearances.

Back with Marseille’s reserves, he has played 13 matches in National 3 this season and scored once, against Carnoux FC.

Former Étoiles du Mandé sporting director Alioune Touré described the youngster’s playing style:

“Kamissoko is a versatile midfielder, capable of both defensively and box-to-box play… He can also play as a holding midfielder and even in central defense. But he’s primarily an attacking midfielder who, thanks to his power, can make the difference.”

Seeking the next step

Since arriving in the summer of 2023, Kamissoko has aimed to establish himself at senior level.

Touré believes playing time will be decisive for the midfielder’s development and questioned whether a major club environment could slow that progress.

“A young player like him (Kamissoko). I think joining Olympique de Marseille wasn’t a good choice. He’d be better off going to a mid-table club to get more playing time. The goal is to play, and Marseille is a big French club. A big club means high-level demands, and the players are usually internationals. I don’t know, but often it’s a question of career, even if Marseille isn’t something you turn down. Playing with the reserve team is different from the first team.”

Opportunity under a new coach

The appointment of Beye could reshape opportunities for academy prospects, with expectations of renewed competition for places in midfield.

Touré added: “He (Kamissoko) needs to work hard, especially with a new coach arriving (Habib Beye). He’ll have to adapt to a new system, because apparently at Rennes he played with three at the back, even though De Zerbi plays a 3-4-3, while Rennes plays a 3-5-2. So, essentially, he needs to adapt to the new midfield style. He has to work every day to show the coach he deserves his place. It starts with training and professionalism off the pitch. In Marseille, he’ll have to be patient, because you never know when you’ll get your chance. It could be in the Coupe de France, the Coupe de la Ligue, or whatever.”

Marseille are preparing for their 23rd French league match against Stade Brestois 29, a fixture that could come as the club assesses emerging options within the squad.