Marseille offer update on Milan and Newcastle target Kamara

Robin Bairner

• 26 Jul 2021 16:18 BST
• 5 min read

Marseille have moved to clarify their transfer position on Newcastle, Milan and Lazio target Boubacar Kamara.

The defender is in the final year of his contract and there appears to be no prospect of him signing an extension.

While the likes of Newcastle and Milan are interested, there were reports on Monday that Marseille’s asking price is scaring them off.

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L’Equipe stated that OM want €30 million for the 21-year-old. Given his contractual situation, it had been expected that a fee closer to €18m would be value.

Marseille president Pablo Longoria, meanwhile, has moved to outline the current situation.

“It’s a complicated question,” he admitted. “Having a player at the end of their contract is not pleasant, especially when the player in question comes from your academy.

“I don’t like having a player at the end of their contract in the squad, it’s a reality. Nobody is above the institution. The position of OM with all players is that we do not want to have them with a contract that finishes at the end of the season.”

In short: Marseille will either sell Kamara this summer or he will sign a contract extension.

Marseille won't be forced into sale

“All clubs need to sell players today,” he added. “It’s the easiest way to balance the books. For us, it’s not just a matter of economic necessity but also a way to grow the club and be ambitious in the market.

“But potential buyers should know, we have no obligation to sell.”

Longoria, however, explained why the market is so complicated presently.

“There is a problem of cash flow for all clubs and therefore a problem with the transfer window,” he said. “We’ve seen that in markets like Spain, due to the economic regulations imposed by the league, it is not very active. They will have difficulties making signings this summer.

“it’s the same in Italy – except for Milan, who have the money for qualifying for the Champions League.

“It’s a difficult market, but not only for Marseille, for all clubs. Money has to start moving between sides, then there will be more possibilities.”