Luiz Felipe Signs on Monday, OM Kicks Off Its Transfer Market
Source:Â http://richportaltv.com
Three days after the opening of the transfer market, Olympique de Marseille is set to finalize its first signing. Multiple sources indicate that Luiz Felipe’s signature is imminent. The Italian-Brazilian central defender is expected to join on a free transfer following the termination of his contract in Saudi Arabia.
Olympique de Marseille has secured its first winter recruit. And, as is often the case with the duo of president Pablo Longoria and future sporting director Medhi Longoria, no one saw it coming.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, whose information has been quickly confirmed by L’Equipe and RMC, Luiz Felipe will soon sign for the Phocaean club.
The 27-year-old central defender is set to arrive on a free transfer after the cancellation of his contract with Al-Ittihad. The Italian-Brazilian is expected to sign a deal for 18 months, extending until June 2026.
Though relatively unknown in France, Luiz Felipe already possesses considerable experience in European football. The future Marseille player has made his mark with Lazio and Salernitana in Italy before spending a season with Real Betis in 2022-2023.
Olympique de Marseille is providing this right-footed defender the chance to return to Europe. Meanwhile, the Phocaean club is responding to one of the demands from its coach, Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian manager had requested the signing of at least one central defender, knowing that Lilian Brassier, who has been underwhelming since his arrival this summer, maybe leaving in the coming weeks.
Therefore, this signing is beneficial from both a sporting and financial perspective, as OM, which has not planned significant investments during this winter transfer window, is acquiring a centrally experienced defender for zero euros.
It’s a clever move by the Benatia-Longoria duo, even if it will be interesting to see where Luiz Felipe stands physically after a year and a half in Saudi Arabia, especially considering he was last reported to be struggling with a thigh issue, the seriousness of which remains unknown.
The focus now shifts to securing one or two full-backs, and the winter transfer window will already be deemed a success for Roberto De Zerbi, who primarily sought defensive reinforcements this January.