Frank McCourt bought Olympique de Marseille back in 2016, however, rumours of a potential sale of the club continue to circulate, despite repeated denials.
McCourt has invested more than €500m since taking control of Les Phocéens, however, according to L’Équipe, the American has never been so distant from the club. His entourage are reportedly also not involved at OM on a daily basis. Once one of McCourt’s envoys, Alexis Steinman met with intermediaries interested in OM’s sale in Spring, including former OGC Nice man Julien Fournier. Saudi Arabia have long since been linked with a move for Marseille, with France Bleu reporting in September that the Gulf State wanted to make them “the Newcastle United of France.” In the event of such a takeover, Zinédine Zidane could take over as manager, according to the local publication.
Despite the continued rumours, McCourt’s entourage told La Provence earlier this week that OM’s owner “has no interest in selling the club.” However, multiple internal sources have revealed to L’Équipe that McCourt’s retirement is “an inevitable process.” The rumours of a sale of the club, which have constantly circulated for the past three years, look set to surround Marseille for some time yet.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
