Key Takeaways
- Marseille endured a losing start to the 2025-26 Ligue 1 campaign against Rennes on Friday, but they still remain strong contenders for the Ligue 1 title.
- Manager Roberto De Zerbi confirms to RG that more transfer activity is likely before the September 1 deadline for major European leagues.
- American businessman Frank McCourt’s deep pockets are allowing the club to stay busy in the summer window as they chase PSG.
Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
Olympique de Marseille had a rocky start to the Ligue 1 campaign with a defeat on matchday one, but they are making waves in this summer transfer window, emerging as one of the most active and ambitious clubs in France.
Backed by the significant financial resources of American owner Frank McCourt, the club is building a squad capable of challenging Paris Saint-Germain for the league title and making a deep run in the UEFA Champions League.
After finishing second in the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season, Marseille has doubled down on its ambition.
Back in May, McCourt hosted a strategic meeting in the United States with Marseille’s top leadership - club president Pablo Longoria, sporting director Medhi Benatia, and manager Roberto De Zerbi. The result has produced a transfer window mixed with experience and youthful talent to address the club’s weaknesses.
His investments have undoubtedly strengthened the squad with marquee signings as they face a busy campaign in Ligue 1 and on the continent.
Major Summer Signings Signal Marseille’s Intent
Marseille’s transfer activity this summer has been both aggressive and strategic, aimed at closing the gap to PSG and re-establishing the Olympians as a dominant force in French football.
In his response to a question asked by RG, De Zerbi confirmed that the club would still be involved in late transfer activities, and he was full of praise for the management’s backing.
“We have been very competitive in the market this year,” De Zerbi said. “We will have more matches, so we will need to manage workloads to avoid more injuries. But the transfer window is not over — for arrivals and departures. It is easy to leave Marseille, but hard to find a place like this.”
“We are in Marseille, we are united with the supporters, the leaders. But we are trying to find our identity. Once you find it, it must stay in you.”
Igor Paixao’s club-record signing from Feyenoord leads the arrival list in Marseille this summer, followed by free transfers of English stars CJ Egan-Riley and Angel Gomes. Timothy Weah also came to Marseille on loan from Juventus, while Facundo Medina joins permanently, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang returns for a second stint.
These financial investments underline McCourt’s ongoing belief in Marseille’s potential and his willingness to invest heavily in the pursuit of trophies.
McCourt’s Unwavering Commitment Since 2016
Nearly a decade after purchasing Olympique Marseille for €50 million, McCourt is not slowing down on his commitments to restore the club’s place among Europe’s elite.
From financial stability to partnership with international brands in North America, McCourt’s stewardship at the helm of Marseille has been a success from the boardroom, and a piece of silverware this campaign could be the star on the crown.
The 71-year-old American is no stranger to high-profile sports investments, having previously owned the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), the Global Champions League (equestrian sports), and his foundation currently holds ownership of the Los Angeles Marathon operating license since 2008.
