With global attention fixed on the ongoing 2026 World Cup in the Americas, former Olympique de Marseille director Medhi Benatia recently shared insights from his eventful tenure at the club, revealing a particular talent he had hoped to bring to the French side.
Medhi Benatia, a product of Marseille’s youth academy who never played professionally for the club, returned in 2023 with aspirations of spearheading an ambitious new project. However, his tenure as sporting director proved to be brief. He departed his role just months after Roberto De Zerbi and Pablo Longoria, following a challenging season for Olympique de Marseille.
Benatia’s lingering influence at Olympique de Marseille
Despite his official departure, whispers persist that Benatia continues to contribute to OM behind the scenes, particularly concerning a high-profile transfer saga. This involves the potential move of Mason Greenwood, who is reportedly nearing a switch to AS Roma as the summer transfer window unfolds. While an agreement between the player and the Italian club is said to be in place, the crucial hurdle remains a deal between the two clubs. This negotiation could prove complex, as Marseille is reportedly seeking between €50 million and €55 million for the English winger.
A missed opportunity: Neil El Aynaoui at Olympique de Marseille
Meanwhile, Medhi Benatia keeps a close watch on the 2026 World Cup, where a player he once coveted for OM is currently competing. This player is Neil El Aynaoui, the Moroccan international who previously played for Nancy and RC Lens before joining AS Roma. Benatia described El Aynaoui as “a very robust player who combines both quality and quantity” in an interview. He further expressed his bewilderment, stating, “I didn’t understand why he played less at Roma than I anticipated. I had tried to bring him to Marseille, but his cost was simply too prohibitive.“
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