In Marseille, the end of the season is shaping up to be just as strategic behind the scenes as it is on the pitch. At Olympique de Marseille, the planned departure of Medhi Benatia at the end of the 2025–2026 season officially launches the search for his successor.
To support the future OM president Stéphane Richard, owner Frank McCourt has decided to rely on the firm Excel Sports Management to find the right candidate. The expected profile is clear: a builder capable of long-term vision, with a sharp understanding of the club’s situation and French football. A key role in structuring an OM side seeking stability and ambition.
Several Profiles Already Under Review
Among the names mentioned by La Provence, Florent Ghisolfi checked many boxes. However, the former executive of Lens, Nice, and AS Roma declined Marseille’s approach to focus on his project with Sunderland.
Other profiles are also being considered: Grégory Lorenzi, reportedly set to leave Brest and followed by Nice, Julien Fournier, currently available, and Mathieu Bodmer, who is under contract with Le Havre.
At the same time, more “in-house” options have been mentioned. Two iconic club figures, Steve Mandanda and Dimitri Payet, have been discussed internally. Profiles with strong Marseille DNA, though their experience in such a role still needs to be developed. The future director of football will have a major mission: to support the new leadership and restore sporting coherence at OM. In a demanding context, this choice already looks decisive for the club’s coming years.
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