Olympique de Marseille have entered a decisive phase of negotiations with Hellas Verona as they push to sign right-back Rafik Belghali on an initial loan with an option to buy.
Talks are ongoing between the two clubs over the structure of the deal, with Italian journalist Nicolo Schira reporting that Marseille and Verona are working towards an agreement for the 24-year-old defender. The proposed formula is a loan move including a purchase option that could become an obligation if certain, as yet unspecified, conditions are met.
Verona, however, are holding firm on their valuation. The Serie A side are understood to be demanding between €13m and €15m to allow Belghali to leave, a price that remains one of the main sticking points in the discussions with the Ligue 1 club.
Right-back seen as priority by Genesio
Marseille’s pursuit of Belghali directly reflects their recruitment strategy for this transfer window. In a press conference this week, head coach Bruno Genesio made clear that signing a right-back is one of the club’s key priorities before the season starts.
Genesio wants to strengthen that side of his defence to increase competition for places and to give himself more tactical options. Within that context, Belghali’s profile is regarded by the Marseille hierarchy as a good fit for what they are seeking this summer.
The Algeria international, who plays primarily at right-back, is currently under contract with Hellas Verona until 30 June 2029. He is valued at around €12m, according to figures cited in the original report, which is slightly below what Verona are currently asking.
No agreement yet despite progress
Despite progress in recent days, no deal has been finalised between Marseille, Hellas Verona and the player. All parties are continuing to talk, and the coming days are expected to be crucial in determining whether the transfer can be completed.
For Marseille, the next step will be to find common ground with the Italian club on the financial terms of the move if they are to secure Belghali and meet the target set by Genesio to bolster the right flank of his back line.
Competition from Serie A rivals
Marseille are not alone in monitoring Belghali’s situation. According to exclusive information reported by Africafoot, the defender is also attracting interest from Inter Milan and AS Roma, as well as other unnamed clubs.
That competition from within Serie A could complicate Marseille’s efforts if they are unable to strike a swift agreement with Verona. However, there is no indication at this stage that any of the interested clubs have reached an understanding with Verona or the player.
For now, Belghali remains a Hellas Verona player, and while talks with Marseille have moved into what is being described as a decisive phase, the outcome of the negotiations is still unresolved.
