OM: An exit door for Chancel Mbemba in Ligue 1

Sidelined at Marseille since the start of the 2024-2025 season, Chancel Mbemba, the 30-year-old Congolese defender, could make a comeback in Ligue 1, with Stade Brestois showing interest in him ahead of the summer transfer window.

Since the beginning of the 2024-2025 campaign, Chancel Mbemba has endured a tough spell at Olympique de Marseille. Dropped from the first-team squad by head coach Roberto De Zerbi, the Congolese international hasn't played a single official match for the senior team this season. His behavior last year, marked by tensions with the staff and his refusal to leave the club, resulted in his demotion to the reserves. Despite injuries in the Marseille backline, the Italian coach has refused to bring him back into the fold.

With his contract set to expire in June, several Ligue 1 clubs have expressed interest in the Congolese international. Among them, Stade Brestois—who already attempted to sign him during the last winter transfer window, but without success—are back in the hunt. The main obstacle remains Mbemba’s high salary, estimated at around €4 million per year. The defender will therefore need to consider a pay cut to make the move happen. Otherwise, a transfer to a club in the Gulf states could be on the cards.

It’s worth noting that last summer, other French clubs such as Stade Rennais and Montpellier also approached Chancel Mbemba, but their offers were turned down.

Lydiane N'Po |

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Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.