Olympique de Marseille have submitted a bid to sign Hellas Verona right-back Rafik Belghali, as the Ligue 1 club step up their recruitment drive before the new season.
The French side have targeted the Algeria international and, according to Tuttomercatoweb, have proposed a loan deal that would become a permanent transfer for around €13m.
Hellas Verona, however, are understood to be holding out for €15m, leaving a gap between the two clubs’ valuations and prolonging negotiations.
Belghali under contract until 2029
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Belghali is tied to Hellas Verona until 30 June 2029 and is currently valued at €12m.
The 24-year-old defender moved to Verona in the summer of 2025 from Belgian club KV Mechelen and quickly established himself as one of the standout performers in the team.
Strong in one‐on‐one situations and eager to contribute in attack down the right flank, Belghali has delivered a series of impressive displays in Serie A, which have enhanced his reputation beyond Italy.
Rising profile after World Cup impact
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His performances with the Algeria national team have further boosted his market value, particularly at the 2026 World Cup, where he scored one goal.
That contribution on the global stage has drawn additional attention from clubs across Europe and added weight to Hellas Verona’s asking price in current talks.
Interest from Inter Milan and AS Roma
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Africafoot reports, citing exclusive sources, that Belghali is not only on Marseille’s shortlist but is also being monitored by Inter Milan and AS Roma, as well as other unnamed clubs.
The presence of multiple potential suitors in Serie A and beyond could complicate Marseille’s pursuit, especially if an auction develops closer to the end of the transfer window.
Contract and salary details
Belghali earns an annual salary of €560,000 at Hellas Verona, the equivalent of 364,000,000 FCFA.
With several years left on his contract and a growing list of admirers, Hellas Verona are under no immediate pressure to sell, and the current difference between Marseille’s offer and the Italian club’s €15m demand remains the key obstacle to any agreement.
Marseille, meanwhile, continue to search the market for what they consider the best possible options to strengthen their squad before the season begins, with Belghali now a prominent target in their plans.
