Olympique de Marseille’s ambitions for the current season have become a little clearer. To gain clarity, OM needed the transfer window to close. Due to their financial situation and the promises made to the DNCG and UEFA, their whole squad was available for the right price, whilst, despite many high-profile departures, including Mason Greenwood, Facundo Medina, Leonardo Balerdi, and Geronimo Rulli, the club was prevented from reinvesting a single penny in the playing squad.

On deadline day, there remained the risk of losing further players, including key man Igor Paixao. He was retained, however. There can now be some clarity, given that the playing squad is now fixed… at least until January. “The winter transfer window? We will have another headache. We have four months of respite,” said Bruno Genesio ahead of Sunday’s game against Paris FC.

But the closure of the window brings certainties and can allow the club to set objectives. One that they will not set is UEFA Champions League qualification. “To speak about the Champions League would be irresponsible for me. That would be lying to our supporters. At Marseille, you have to be ambitious… but I won’t tell you not to dream. We are under construction,” added Genesio.

Last year, OM set the target of qualifying for the UCL. They fell short, instead qualifying for the UEFA Europa League. After two games in Ligue 1, Marseille have one win (4-0 v Strasbourg) and one defeat (2-0 v Monaco).

GFFN | Luke Entwistle