The global football spotlight is currently fixed on the American continent, where the 2026 World Cup is unfolding. Among those closely observing is Medhi Benatia, fresh from a tumultuous period at Olympique de Marseille. During his tenure, he had hoped to secure a promising young international player for the club.
It was a story with great potential. Medhi Benatia, a product of Marseille’s youth academy who never played professionally for the club, returned in 2023 with aspirations of building an ambitious project. However, his tenure as sporting director proved brief. He departed just months after Roberto De Zerbi and Pablo Longoria, following what was widely regarded as a catastrophic season for OM.
Benatia’s continued influence at OM
However, it is understood that Benatia continues to work for Olympique de Marseille behind the scenes, particularly concerning a high-profile transfer target. This involves Mason Greenwood, who is reportedly on the verge of a move to AS Roma as the summer transfer window commences. While an agreement between the player and the Italian club is said to be in place, the crucial next step is finalizing terms between the two clubs. This appears to be a complex negotiation, with Marseille reportedly demanding between 50 and 55 million euros for the English winger.
“I tried to bring him to Marseille, but he was too expensive”
Meanwhile, Medhi Benatia continues to monitor the 2026 World Cup, where a particular player he once sought for OM is showcasing his talent. This player is Neil El Aynaoui, a Moroccan international who previously played for Nancy and RC Lens before joining AS Roma. “He is a very solid player because he combines quality and quantity,” Benatia explained in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I didn’t understand why he played less at Roma than I anticipated. I had attempted to bring him to Marseille, but his price tag was simply too high.”
