Medhi Benatia – Marseille’s next sporting director?

Medhi Benatia, a former defender at Bayern Munich and Juventus, has been strongly linked with replacing Javier Ribalta as the director of football at Olympique de Marseille. 

The latter left OM in October. Like the rest of the executive members at the club, he was present at the now infamous meeting between Marseille’s hierarchy and their fans. Marcelino left the club in the wake of the meeting, whilst President Pablo Longoria temporarily stepped back before returning. Ribalta never truly returned and his departure was confirmed last month. 

Benatia has been the strong favourite to take the role, and according to L’Équipe, he could be named as OM’s new sporting director before the end of the week. However, owner Frank McCourt has not yet given the final seal of approval.

Longoria confirms discussions

Longoria has nonetheless confirmed that discussions have taken place with former Moroccan international Benatia, who came through the ranks with Les Phocéens without making a first-team appearance for the club. “He (Benatia) is one of the people that we are speaking with, it’s true. He is someone with a high level,” Longoria told RMC Sport. 

The Spaniard added that there are also discussions ongoing with other candidates, however, as indicated by L’Équipe, Benatia looks like the frontrunner and his arrival could soon be confirmed. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle