Olympique de Marseille can be regarded as a sleeping giant of French football, taking their performances both domestically and on the European scene in recent years into account. However, with the appointment of young and exciting manager Roberto Di Zerbi, the future holds a lot of promise.
Marseille are not the biggest spenders in the transfer market but the French side have occasionally made some heavy investments in promising and established talents in a bid to return to the top of French and European football.
Soccernet.football takes a look at the ten most expensive signings in Marseilleโs history.
10. Iliman Ndiaye โ โฌ17m (2023)
The Senegalese forward joined Marseille in 2023 from Sheffield United for a fee of โฌ17 million. Ndiaye had made a name for himself in the Championship with his pace, dribbling skills, and eye for goal. At Marseille, he was seen as a dynamic attacking option, capable of playing across the front line. His signing underscored Marseilleโs intent to bolster their attacking options with young, versatile talent.
9. Duje ฤaleta-Car โ โฌ19m (2018)
ฤaleta-Car arrived at Marseille in 2018 from Red Bull Salzburg for โฌ19 million. The Croatian center-back was highly regarded for his composure on the ball and physical presence in defense. ฤaleta-Car quickly became a key figure in Marseilleโs backline, helping to solidify the defense with his strong aerial ability and tactical intelligence. He moved to Southampton in 2023 before returning to France to join Olympique Lyon.
8. Lucho Gonzalez โ โฌ19m (2009)
Lucho joined Marseille in 2009 from FC Porto for a fee of โฌ19 million and quickly became a fan favorite at the Vรฉlodrome. The Argentine was instrumental in Marseilleโs 2009/2010 Ligue 1 title-winning campaign, contributing both goals and assists. Luchoโs experience and creativity in midfield made him one of Marseilleโs most influential players during his time at the club.
7. Gerson โ โฌ20.5m (2021)
In 2021, Marseille secured the signing of the Brazilian midfielder from Flamengo for โฌ20 million. Gerson brought a blend of physicality and tactical awareness to Marseilleโs midfield. His ability to drive forward with the ball and his versatility in playing multiple midfield roles made him a valuable asset for the team. Gersonโs arrival was part of a broader strategy to bring in high-quality players from South America.
6. Renan Lodi โ โฌ20.6m (2023)
Another Brazilian on the list, Renan Lodi joined Marseille in 2023 from Atlรฉtico Madrid for โฌ20.6 million. The left-back is widely known for his attacking flair, solid defensive abilities, and excellent crossing. Lodiโs experience in La Liga and the Champions League added a significant level of quality to Marseilleโs defense. His signing was seen as a statement of intent as Marseille looked to strengthen their squad with established international players.
5. Kevin Strootman โ โฌ25m (2018)
The Dutch midfielder was signed by Marseille in 2018 from AS Roma for โฌ25 million. Strootman brought with him a wealth of experience, having played in Serie A and for the Dutch national team. Generally known for his passing range, leadership, and defensive contributions in midfield, Strootman was expected to add steel and composure to Marseilleโs engine room. Although his time at the club was mixed due to injuries, his signing was a significant financial commitment.
4. Elye Wahi โ โฌ25m (2024)
Marseille have recently acquired one of the most promising young French forwards this summer for โฌ25 million from Montpellier. Wahiโs pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring prowess had made him one of Ligue 1โs standout young talents last season. His arrival at Marseille is part of the clubโs strategy to build a youthful and dynamic squad capable of challenging the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco at the top of French football.
3. Mason Greenwood โ โฌ26m (2024)
Marseille made headlines by signing the embattled English forward from Manchester United for โฌ26 million. Greenwood is widely known for his clinical finishing and ability to play across the front three, no doubt a brilliant signing for the club. The former Man United prodigy will be looking to put the controversies surrounding his career behind him and enjoy his football in France. It will be interesting to see how things pan out for the England international at the Velodrome.
2. Dimitri Payet โ โฌ29.3m (2017)
The Frenchman returned to Marseille in 2017 from West Ham United for a โฌ29.3 million fee, making him one of the clubโs most expensive signings ever. Payet had already established himself as a fan favorite during his previous stint at the club, hence, his return to Marseille was greeted with much enthusiasm and he continued to play a key role for the team until his departure last summer.
1. Vitinha โ โฌ32m (2023)
Vitinha tops the list as Marseilleโs most expensive signing ever, arriving from Sporting Braga in 2023 for โฌ32 million. The Portuguese forward was highly rated for his goal-scoring ability, movement off the ball, and work rate. Marseille invested heavily in Vitinha, hoping he would become a key player for the club in their pursuit of domestic and European success. However, things didnโt quite work out as planned and Marseille loaned the Portuguese to Genoa in January before making the transfer permanent this summer.