Olympique de Marseille have identified Standard de Liege goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo as a leading target as they search for a new first-choice goalkeeper following the departure of Geronimo Rulli.
The interest in the 21-year-old is reported by Get Football News France, with Marseille understood to regard Epolo as a priority signing. The Democratic Republic of the Congo international has impressed with his performances in Belgium and has emerged as one of the club’s preferred options for the position.
However, Standard de Liege are in a strong negotiating position because Epolo’s current contract runs until June 2029. The Belgian club are demanding €8m for the goalkeeper, a fee Marseille cannot currently commit to without first completing several player sales.
Marseille must therefore reduce their squad and raise funds before they can make a formal offer to Standard de Liege. With the transfer window approaching its close, the French club face increasing pressure to move quickly if they are to secure their preferred target.
Epolo is attracting interest from several other clubs. Another team from Ligue 1, a Premier League side and Valencia have also positioned themselves to sign the goalkeeper.
That competition means Marseille risk losing one of their leading targets unless they can accelerate negotiations and complete the departures required to finance a deal. Standard de Liege’s long-term control of the player also gives the Belgian side considerable leverage in any discussions.
Epolo’s potential move would come as Marseille prepare for their second Ligue 1 fixture of the season against AS Monaco. The match is due to take place soon, with Marseille priced at 2.55 to win by betting company 1xbet. A draw is listed at 3.50, while an AS Monaco victory is priced at 2.17.
The goalkeeper search has become a key issue for Olympique de Marseille after Rulli’s departure, and the club now have limited time to decide whether to meet Standard de Liege’s valuation or pursue an alternative. For the moment, Epolo remains the standout name in their plans, but the financial conditions surrounding the deal and the interest from clubs in France, England and Spain could determine whether the transfer goes ahead.