Olympique de Marseille have ended their attempts to bring Olivier Ntcham back to the club during the summer transfer window.
The Ligue 1 side had considered signing the experienced Cameroon international as they looked for affordable ways to strengthen their squad amid financial constraints. However, although discussions took place, they did not lead to an agreement between the club and the 30-year-old midfielder, according to Foot Mercato.
Ntcham is therefore set to remain available on the transfer market after Marseille’s interest failed to develop into a deal. He has been without a contract since 1 July, meaning the club would have been able to sign him without paying a transfer fee.
The midfielder was among the profiles examined by Marseille’s recruitment team as the club assessed potential reinforcements. He already has previous experience with Olympique de Marseille, having spent time there on loan between February and June 2021.
During that spell, Ntcham made six appearances for the French club. His proposed return would have represented a second period in Marseille, but the talks ultimately stopped short of a completed transfer.
Ntcham most recently played for Samsunspor in the Turkish Super Lig. He joined the club in 2023 and completed a solid campaign last season, appearing in 34 matches.
His availability had made him a possible option for clubs seeking an experienced midfielder without the cost of an immediate transfer fee. Transfermarkt currently estimates the value of the Cameroon international at 2 million euros, despite his contract situation.
The Marseille possibility follows the collapse of another potential move to Greece. Africafoot had previously reported that development exclusively, but Ntcham will now not return to Marseille either.
Olympique de Marseille’s interest was driven in part by the need to find cost-effective solutions for the squad. The club considered Ntcham’s previous familiarity with the team and his experience in professional football, but the discussions did not produce the agreement required for the transfer to go ahead.
As a result, the former Marseille player remains a free agent and will continue to assess his options after leaving Samsunspor. His next club has not been confirmed, while the French side must continue looking elsewhere for affordable midfield reinforcements.