Olympique de Marseille can be regarded as a sleeping giant of French football, taking their performances both domestically and on the European scene in recent years into account. However, with the appointment of young and exciting manager Roberto Di Zerbi, the future holds a lot of promise.
Marseille are not the biggest spenders in the transfer market but the French side have occasionally made some heavy investments in promising and established talents in a bid to return to the top of French and European football.
Soccernet.football takes a look at the ten most expensive signings in Marseille’s history.
10. Iliman Ndiaye – €17m (2023)
The Senegalese forward joined Marseille in 2023 from Sheffield United for a fee of €17 million. Ndiaye had made a name for himself in the Championship with his pace, dribbling skills, and eye for goal. At Marseille, he was seen as a dynamic attacking option, capable of playing across the front line. His signing underscored Marseille’s intent to bolster their attacking options with young, versatile talent.
9. Duje Ćaleta-Car – €19m (2018)
Ćaleta-Car arrived at Marseille in 2018 from Red Bull Salzburg for €19 million. The Croatian center-back was highly regarded for his composure on the ball and physical presence in defense. Ćaleta-Car quickly became a key figure in Marseille’s backline, helping to solidify the defense with his strong aerial ability and tactical intelligence. He moved to Southampton in 2023 before returning to France to join Olympique Lyon.
8. Lucho Gonzalez – €19m (2009)
Lucho joined Marseille in 2009 from FC Porto for a fee of €19 million and quickly became a fan favorite at the Vélodrome. The Argentine was instrumental in Marseille’s 2009/2010 Ligue 1 title-winning campaign, contributing both goals and assists. Lucho’s experience and creativity in midfield made him one of Marseille’s most influential players during his time at the club.
7. Gerson – €20.5m (2021)
In 2021, Marseille secured the signing of the Brazilian midfielder from Flamengo for €20 million. Gerson brought a blend of physicality and tactical awareness to Marseille’s midfield. His ability to drive forward with the ball and his versatility in playing multiple midfield roles made him a valuable asset for the team. Gerson’s arrival was part of a broader strategy to bring in high-quality players from South America.
6. Renan Lodi – €20.6m (2023)
Another Brazilian on the list, Renan Lodi joined Marseille in 2023 from Atlético Madrid for €20.6 million. The left-back is widely known for his attacking flair, solid defensive abilities, and excellent crossing. Lodi’s experience in La Liga and the Champions League added a significant level of quality to Marseille’s defense. His signing was seen as a statement of intent as Marseille looked to strengthen their squad with established international players.
5. Kevin Strootman – €25m (2018)
The Dutch midfielder was signed by Marseille in 2018 from AS Roma for €25 million. Strootman brought with him a wealth of experience, having played in Serie A and for the Dutch national team. Generally known for his passing range, leadership, and defensive contributions in midfield, Strootman was expected to add steel and composure to Marseille’s engine room. Although his time at the club was mixed due to injuries, his signing was a significant financial commitment.
4. Elye Wahi – €25m (2024)
Marseille have recently acquired one of the most promising young French forwards this summer for €25 million from Montpellier. Wahi’s pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring prowess had made him one of Ligue 1’s standout young talents last season. His arrival at Marseille is part of the club’s strategy to build a youthful and dynamic squad capable of challenging the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco at the top of French football.
3. Mason Greenwood – €26m (2024)
Marseille made headlines by signing the embattled English forward from Manchester United for €26 million. Greenwood is widely known for his clinical finishing and ability to play across the front three, no doubt a brilliant signing for the club. The former Man United prodigy will be looking to put the controversies surrounding his career behind him and enjoy his football in France. It will be interesting to see how things pan out for the England international at the Velodrome.
2. Dimitri Payet – €29.3m (2017)
The Frenchman returned to Marseille in 2017 from West Ham United for a €29.3 million fee, making him one of the club’s most expensive signings ever. Payet had already established himself as a fan favorite during his previous stint at the club, hence, his return to Marseille was greeted with much enthusiasm and he continued to play a key role for the team until his departure last summer.
1. Vitinha – €32m (2023)
Vitinha tops the list as Marseille’s most expensive signing ever, arriving from Sporting Braga in 2023 for €32 million. The Portuguese forward was highly rated for his goal-scoring ability, movement off the ball, and work rate. Marseille invested heavily in Vitinha, hoping he would become a key player for the club in their pursuit of domestic and European success. However, things didn’t quite work out as planned and Marseille loaned the Portuguese to Genoa in January before making the transfer permanent this summer.