Ivory Coast striker Ange Lago is on the verge of completing a permanent move from Olympique de Marseille to French Ligue 2 side Clermont, as the 21-year-old looks set to take the next step in his professional career.
Negotiations between the two clubs are reported to be at an advanced stage, with the transfer expected to be completed unless there is an unexpected late change.
The move would bring an end to Lago’s time at Marseille after two years at the French club, where he progressed through the reserve side and earned his first appearances for the senior team.
For one of Ivory Coast’s emerging young talents, the transfer represents an opportunity to secure more regular first-team football and continue his development in a competitive environment.
Lago joined Marseille in 2023 after coming through the Foot Academy and steadily established himself as one of the club’s promising attacking prospects.
His performances for Marseille’s reserve side attracted attention throughout last season.
The Ivorian forward scored eight goals in 20 National 2 matches, building on the six goals he registered in 15 appearances during the previous campaign.
His consistent form earned him opportunities with Marseille’s senior squad, where he made two appearances in Ligue 1.
Lago also demonstrated his goalscoring ability during pre-season, finding the net in Marseille’s 3-0 friendly victory over Yamoussoukro FC.
Those displays have increased interest in the versatile attacker, who is capable of playing both as a central striker and in a supporting attacking role.
Clermont are understood to have identified Lago as a player capable of strengthening their attacking options as they prepare for the new campaign.
The Ligue 2 club now appear to have moved ahead of other interested sides in the race for his signature.
Pau FC, another club competing in Ligue 2, had also shown interest in signing the young forward.
Outside France, Dutch side Excelsior Rotterdam reportedly presented an attractive project in an effort to convince Lago to move to the Netherlands, while Danish club Viborg FF have also been monitoring his situation.
Despite that competition, Clermont have emerged as favourites to secure the striker on a permanent transfer.
The move is expected to provide Lago with increased playing opportunities, something that could prove difficult to achieve at Marseille given the competition for places in the first team.
Although he remains under contract with Marseille until June 2027, both clubs are believed to be close to reaching an agreement that would allow the player to continue his career elsewhere.
