Marseille pleads for its Cameroonian keeper.. and he sets strict conditions for the return
Olympique de Marseille are reportedly considering bringing Cameroon international Simon Ngapandouetnbu back to the club in summer 2027 but the Montpellier goalkeeper has made it clear through his entourage that his immediate priority is helping his current team secure promotion to Ligue 1.
The 23 year old has established himself as one of Ligue 2's standout goalkeepers this season, producing a series of impressive performances that have reportedly renewed Marseille's interest in their former academy prospect.
According to French newspaper La Provence, Marseille are exploring the possibility of re signing Ngapandouetnbu and potentially making him their first choice goalkeeper next season.
However, exclusive information published by Africafoot on 20 October suggests that the Cameroon international has no immediate intention of leaving Montpellier where he remains under contract until June 2028.
Simon Ngapandouetnbu's entourage responds to Marseille interest
Despite the prospect of returning to the club where he developed as a young goalkeeper, Ngapandouetnbu is reportedly determined to continue his progress at Montpellier.
A source close to the player told Africafoot that the goalkeeper remains fully committed to the club's sporting project, particularly its ambition to return to France's top division.
His entourage explained that discussions about a potential transfer are not currently part of his priorities.
"Simon does not want to talk about his future right now and is focused on his objectives with his club" the source said.
The position reflects the importance Ngapandouetnbu places on regular first team football after previously struggling for opportunities at Marseille.
However, the comments do not amount to a definitive rejection of a future transfer and no official negotiations between the clubs have been confirmed.
Six clean sheets in nine matches attract Marseille's attention
Ngapandouetnbu's impressive form has played an important role in Montpellier's strong start to the 2026 /27 campaign.
The Cameroonian has registered six clean sheets in nine Ligue 2 appearances, conceding only five goals.
His latest shutout came on 19 October when Montpellier defeated Rodez 3-0 away from home.
The result lifted Zoumana Camara's team into second place in the standings, four points behind leaders Saint-Étienne.
Ngapandouetnbu's consistency has strengthened his reputation as an emerging goalkeeping talent.
With Montpellier targeting promotion, retaining the Cameroon international could prove important to their ambitions.
Does Marseille have a buyback clause for Ngapandouetnbu?
Marseille's reported interest is particularly significant because of the goalkeeper's previous connection with the club.
Born in Foumban, Cameroon, on 12 April 2003, Ngapandouetnbu joined Marseille's youth system in 2014 and signed his first professional contract in October 2019.
Despite progressing through the club's development structure, he never made an official first-team appearance.
He subsequently spent the 2024 /25 season on loan at Nîmes, making 26 appearances in France's third division before leaving Marseille.
In August 2025, Montpellier officially completed his signing from Marseille, giving him the opportunity to establish himself in Ligue 2.
Marseille are now reportedly considering reversing that departure.
According to La Provence, the club retained a priority buyback arrangement when Ngapandouetnbu joined Montpellier.
However, conflicting reports have emerged regarding the existence and precise terms of that clause and neither club has publicly confirmed the contractual details.
The goalkeeper's performances have nevertheless renewed speculation about a possible return.
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15 October 2026
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