Olympique de Marseille are weighing up the future of Algeria international Amine Gouiri as financial pressures continue to shape the club’s transfer strategy ahead of the new season.
The Ligue 1 side are reportedly prepared to consider offers in the region of €25 million to €30 million for the 26-year-old striker as they seek to balance their finances, despite concerns that his departure would leave a significant gap in attack.
Marseille balancing finances and sporting ambitions
Marseille are understood to be open to selling key assets this summer, but Gouiri’s potential exit presents a difficult sporting decision.
The challenge has become even greater following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s departure to Deportivo La Coruña, leaving the club short of an established first-choice centre-forward.
Although Neal Maupay has returned after his loan spell at Sevilla, Marseille view Gouiri as one of their most important attacking players heading into the new campaign.
The club’s head coach, Bruno Genesio acknowledged the financial realities facing Marseille while admitting he would prefer to keep the Algerian international.
“When you have good players, you want to keep them. But there’s a contextual reality. I was aware of what was happening when I signed. I knew we were going to have to sell players. Everyone was honest and clear with me.
“I signed fully aware of this new direction for the club. There are constraints to it, but I’ve accepted them and I know it.”
The coach previously worked with Gouiri at both Olympique Lyonnais and Stade Rennais.
Napoli and Fenerbahçe monitoring situation
Gouiri has attracted interest from clubs outside France, with Serie A side Napoli among those reportedly monitoring his situation.
However, it remains unclear whether the Italian club would be willing to meet Marseille’s asking price.
Turkish giants Fenerbahçe have also been linked with the Algeria international after completing the signing of former Marseille winger Mason Greenwood for €39 million earlier in the transfer window.
Whether Fenerbahçe would sanction another significant investment for a Marseille player remains uncertain.
Squad overhaul continues
Marseille continue to reshape their squad as part of efforts to reduce costs and streamline the playing group.
According to reports, sporting director Medhi Benatia has been tasked with overseeing player departures while ensuring the club remains financially sustainable.
As speculation surrounding Gouiri continues, Marseille must balance the need to improve their financial position with the challenge of retaining enough attacking quality to remain competitive next season.
The Algeria international’s future is therefore likely to depend on whether any interested club is prepared to meet Marseille’s valuation before the transfer window closes.
