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Pavard, Aguerd, O'Riley & Emerson: Marseille's busy deadline day

Olympique de Marseille have been one of the busiest sides of the Summer transfer window, bringing in none other four players on deadline day alone. We take you through a busy day in the Provence region…
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Published on 09/02/2025 at 00:00
2-minute read
Marseille have completed four signings in a busy transfer deadline day

It's been a busy day at Marseille's Marignane Provence Airport – welcoming the signings of not only just one or two, but four new Olympique de Marseille players on a packed transfer deadline day for Les Phocéens.

Late last night, Aviation Generale at Provence airport welcomed Emerson Palmieri, before his official announcement on Monday afternoon. Signing permanently from West Ham, the Santos born defender has signed for Les Olympiens on a two-year deal – following stints at Chelsea and AS Roma, before winning the Europa Conference League with West Ham. 

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Matt O'Riley, and Nayef Aguerd arrive on deadline day

Then it was reported late last night and into the morning that fellow West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd had reached an agreement to join Marseille - with the club spending €23m to bring the experienced Moroccan defender into the fold. OM had been in need of defensive reinforcements, despite having signed CJ Egan-Riley on a free transfer from Burnley FC and Facundo Medina on loan from RC Lens (although the Argentine is currently injured, but is expected to return to the team following the international break).

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Within hours of each other, Aguerd had arrived at Marignagne airport with yet another signing: this time Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Matt O'Riley. The Danish international has landed in Provence on loan from the Seagulls hoping for game time, and brings experience of the UEFA Champions League to the side from his time at Scottish club Celtic.

Meanwhile, Les Olympiens said goodbye to France international midfielder Adrien Rabiot - who departed the club for Serie A side AC Milan to link up with former manager Massimiliano Allegri.

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One last twist as the deadline loomed… Benjamin Pavard signs

If the three deadline day signings weren't enough, Pablo Longoria and Medhi Benatia had one last trick up their sleeve. Les Olympiens announced the signing of France international defender Benjamin Pavard on loan with an option to buy the versatile defender for €15m. The World Cup, Champions League, Bundesliga, and Serie A winner joins OM with a huge wealth of experience.

 

Now the international break will mean Roberto De Zerbi's men can help settle in their new signings before a schedule which will feature a Classique against PSG following a trip to Real Madrid to open their UEFA Champions League campaign. 

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