CJ Egan-Riley completes Marseille medical despite last-minute West Ham hijack attempt

According to a report from RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins, England U21 defender CJ Egan-Riley (22) has completed a medical at Olympique de Marseille and has signed his contract with Les Phocéens. This is despite a last-minute attempt from Premier League side West Ham United to come calling with an offer – yet the player reportedly only wanted to move to Marseille after being won over by the pitch laid out by Roberto De Zerbi and Medhi Benatia. 

The Englishman is set to sign a four-year contract at the club, arriving on a free transfer with his contract at Burnley set to expire at the end of the month. Marseille swooped decisively in the final stages of the deal, beating competition from clubs across Europe. RC Strasbourg Alsace were previously considered favourites for Egan-Riley’s signature, while West Ham United launched a late offensive with a renewed offer.

Egan-Riley is currently on international duty with England’s U21s in Slovakia and underwent his medical in recent days. He will return to camp before Sunday’s game against Slovenia.

Egan-Riley is currently on international duty with England’s U21s in Slovakia and underwent his medical in recent days. He will return to camp before Sunday’s game against Slovenia.

The former Manchester City academy product also attracted interest from Crystal Palace, AC Milan and FC Porto, but Marseille moved quickly to secure a key addition in defence.

GFFN | George Boxall